eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
66 PETERS TOWNSHIP
PETERS TOWNSHIP
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SHARING MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES IN PT
In early April the sounds of the theme to Indiana Jones rang out from the gymnasium at Pleasant Valley Elementary. The booming music coming from the visiting musicians could be heard in every corner of the small school, and the smiles on the faces of the elementary audience were just as overpowering.
The visiting musicians were members of the High School band, orchestra and wind symphony who traveled to Pleasant Valley and Bower Hill to introduce the various instruments that make up their ensembles and perhaps even show off a little to their former teachers.
“ We’ re not sure who enjoys this visit more, the elementary students, the high school students or the teachers who get to see how far those former students have come,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Fisher.
The event is organized each year by the high school music staff as the date draws near for third graders who wish to pursue music to select an instrument that they will begin to learn in 4th grade. The older students play a few select pieces, followed by individual
The saxophone was a popular choice for the students in the assembly.
Students demonstrated the violin and viola.
musicians talking about each of the instrument choices – how they work, why they selected it and what role it plays in the larger ensemble.
“ I hope that everyone who is just starting out on their journey learning music realizes that everyone was a beginner too at one point,” said junior Nathan Brula, who plays the French horn in both the Wind Symphony and the Marching Band.“ Music can open so many doors in your life you don ' t even know about yet.”
This passion for music and a program they love echoes among the high school musicians as they reach out to their elementary counterparts, an audience who listened intently to the details on each instrument, especially as they were introduced with familiar selections from Sponge Bob, Frozen and Bluey.
The connection these older students make with students, who are essentially their younger selves, is an important part of the process. The high school students played an integral part in planning the elementary visit.
“ Each of our high school students can identify with their 9 and 10 year old counterparts – they were once brand new to these skills, but to see where you can go in just a few years is something we definitely want to share,” said High School Orchestra teacher Stephen McGough.
Early elementary school includes important general music instruction for students in Peters Township. Students are exposed to music as both listeners and performers to ensure a broad introduction. As they move to grades 4-5 at McMurray Elementary they have the option to pursue instrument lessons and joining the school chorus.
Moving into Middle School and High School, opportunities expand with daily classes and performance options including marching band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, wind symphony, concert band, as well as traditional choir and acapella singing groups.
But there are other skills that come along with learning to read and playing music that are just as, if not more, important according to the music staff.
“ Taking on an instrument is work, but these students learn lessons in time management, leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and determination,” said band teacher and marching band director David Young.“ Make no mistake, this is a team, just like any other.”
And the student musicians stress that their bandmates are more like family, and those connections are a critical part of their high school experience.