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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs that musical group?
Who runs that musical group?
Elementary Schools
Elementary Schools
NPE: Mrs. Hayley Lombard (orchestra & band), Mrs. Jane Urban (chorus)
WES: Mr. Joseph Greenhalgh (orchestra & band), Ms. Joanne Haley (chorus)
SRS: Ms. Kara Suarez (orchestra & band), Ms. Dawn Mason-Ovalle (chorus)
Bands
Bands
Basie Jazz Band (SHMS)
Mr. James McLaughlin
Ellington Jazz Band (SHMS)
Mrs. Allyson Williams / Mr. Richard Michael
6th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams / Mr. Richard Michael
7th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams / Mr. Richard Michael
8th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams / Mr. Richard Michael
Modern Band (SHMS)
Mr. James McLaughlin
Symphonic Band (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
Jazz Band (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
Panther Marching Band (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
Singing Groups
Singing Groups
6th grade chorus
Mr. James McLaughlin
7th & 8th grade chorus
Ms. Sarah Elsheakh
Cantabile (SHMS)
Ms. Sarah Elsheakh
Camerata (SHHS)
Mrs. Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Cantata (SHHS)
Mrs. Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Silvertones (SHHS)
Mrs. Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Orchestras
Orchestras
6th grade orchestra
Ms. Jassamine Harris
7th grade orchestra
Ms. Jassamine Harris
8th grade orchestra
Ms. Jassamine Harris
Symphony Orchestra (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
String Orchestra (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
Chamber Orchestra (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
Wind Ensemble (SHHS)
Mr. Nick Pignataro
When can a student start an instrument?
When can a student start an instrument?
String Instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass): These instruments may be started in third, fourth, or fifth grade or at any time in middle school or high school!
Band Instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion): These instruments may be started in fourth or fifth grade or at any time in middle school or high school!
Where should I rent an instrument?
Where should I rent an instrument?
For flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, cello, instruments are rented through an outside music vendor. Most of our WSSD families use Music and Arts (located in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall). Please let them know that your child attends the WSSD schools as they know what make/model instruments we prefer for our student rental program. Taylors Music Store & Studios in West Chester is also a great place to rent quality instruments (https://www.taylorsmusic.com).
For beginning percussion, you have a choice in what you want to rent: (1) a snare drum kit or (2) a drum pad. For drum sticks - we prefer either the Vic Firth 5A or 7A wood tip or a comparable size from a different brand.
For the string instrument rental for violin, viola, and cello, Music and Arts will measure your child to give them the correct instrument size.
For the larger instruments such as French Horn, Tenor Saxophone, Euphonium, Tuba, Xylophone, String Bass, these are available to rent through the school district at a nominal fee.
Additional accessories that you may want to consider are an instrument cleaning kit as well as a folding music stand for their lesson book or other sheet music. It will help to promote good playing posture whether they are sitting or standing while they play.
What if I can’t afford an instrument?
What if I can’t afford an instrument?
The WSMA Heart Strings program collects instruments for families for whom renting or buying an instrument is a financial burden. Please contact Music Department Chair John Shankweiler (jshankweiler@wssd.org) to be connected to an instrument. We want every student to be able to play!
Who are the instrumental music teachers at each school?
Who are the instrumental music teachers at each school?
The instrumental teachers are as follows:
Steve Fischer – Chairperson, Music Department
Nicholas Pignataro – SHHS
Allyson Williams / Mr. Richard Michael - SHMS
Jassamine Harris - SHMS
Hayley Daub – NPE
Joseph Greenhalgh – WES
Kara Suarez - SRS
What is the middle school band/orchestra/chorus schedule?
What is the middle school band/orchestra/chorus schedule?
SHMS Bands, Orchestras and Choruses: There is a rotating three-day morning schedule. Rehearsals start promptly at 7:00 am and end 7:45 am. Music rooms are located on the 1st floor of the Copples Lane side of the building. Students may arrive as early at 6:45 am. Monthly schedules are listed online. Ms. Williams/Mr. Michael and Ms. Harris also send an email out each week to remind everyone of the schedule for the week. If you are not receiving this email, please reach out to your student's instructor to be added to the distribution list.
MUSIC DAY 1 – 6th Grade Orchestra / 7th Grade Band / 8th Grade Chorus
MUSIC DAY 2 – 6th Grade Band / 7th Grade Chorus / 8th Grade Orchestra
MUSIC DAY 3 – 6th Grade Chorus / 7th Grade Orchestra / 8th Grade Band
Meet the music teachers
Meet the music teachers
Steve Fischer
Steve Fischer
Mr. Fischer is the chair of the WSSD music department.
sfischer@wssd.org
Nick Pignataro
Nick Pignataro
Mr. Pignataro directs the SHHS marching band, concert bands, orchestra and chamber music ensembles.
npignataro@wssd.org
Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Lindsey Reinhard Silva
Mrs. Silva directs the SHHS choral groups.
lreinhardsilva@wssd.org
Allyson Williams
Allyson Williams
Mrs. Williams directs the middle school bands.
awilliams@wssd.org
Sarah Elsheakh
Sarah Elsheakh
Ms. Elsheakh directs the 7th & 8th grade chorus and Cantabile.
selsheakh@wssd.org
James McLaughlin
James McLaughlin
Mr. McLaughlin directs the middle school Basie Jazz Band, Modern Band and the 6th grade chorus.
jmclaughlin1@wssd.org
Jassamine Harris
Jassamine Harris
Ms. Harris directs the middle school orchestras.
jharris@wssd.org
Hayley Lombard
Hayley Lombard
Mrs. Lombard directs the NPE bands and orchestras.
hlombard@wssd.org
Joe Greenhalgh
Joe Greenhalgh
Mr. Greenhalgh directs the WES bands and orchestras.
jgreenhalgh@wssd.org
Kara Suarez
Kara Suarez
Ms. Suarez directs the SRS bands and orchestras.
ksuarez@wssd.org
Joanne Haley
Joanne Haley
Mrs. Haley directs the WES chorus.
jhaley@wssd.org
Jane Urban
Jane Urban
Mrs. Urban directs the NPE chorus.
jurban@wssd.org
Dawn Mason-Ovalle
Dawn Mason-Ovalle
Ms. Dawn Mason-Ovalle directs the SRS chorus.
Can you tell me more about the Summer Music Program?
Can you tell me more about the Summer Music Program?
When is the 2025 Summer Music Program?
When is the 2025 Summer Music Program?
June 16 to July 10, 2025.
When can I sign up for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
When can I sign up for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
Right now!!
How do I sign up for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
How do I sign up for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
All the information and the registration for the 2025 Summer Music Program is on the WSSD website: WSSD Summer Music Program 2025 Registration
Who can participate in the 2025 Summer Music Program?
Who can participate in the 2025 Summer Music Program?
The Summer Program is open to both WSSD and non-WSSD residents!!
Students entering 3rd grade through 12th grade this fall who are interested in beginning or continuing to play an orchestra instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass)
Students entering 4th grade through 12th grade this fall who are interested in beginning or continuing to play a band instrument (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion)
Students entering 4th grade through 6th grade this fall who are interested in singing in the chorus
Rising 8th-12th grade students and adults of any age are welcome to join the evening concert band
Students interested in playing guitar, bass, drum set or keyboards in the intermediate jazz band
Where can I rent an instrument for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
Where can I rent an instrument for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
For flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, cello, instruments are rented through an outside music vendor. Most of our WSSD families use Music and Arts (located in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall). Please let them know that your child attends the WSSD schools as they know what make/model instruments we prefer for our student rental program.
For beginning percussion, you have a choice in what you want to rent: (1) a snare drum kit or (2) a drum pad. For drum sticks - we prefer either the Vic Firth 5A or 7A wood tip or a comparable size from a different brand.
For the string instrument rental for violin, viola, and cello, Music and Arts will measure your child to give them the correct instrument size.
For the larger instruments such as French Horn, Tenor Saxophone, Euphonium, Tuba, Xylophone, String Bass, these are available to rent through the school district at a nominal fee.
Additional accessories that you may want to consider are an instrument cleaning kit as well as a folding music stand for their lesson book or other sheet music. It will help to promote good playing posture whether they are sitting or standing while they play.
What if I can’t afford an instrument?
What if I can’t afford an instrument?
The WSMA Heart Strings program collects instruments for families for whom renting or buying an instrument is a financial burden. Please contact Music Department Chair Steve Fischer (sfischer@wssd.org) to be connected to an instrument. We want every student to be able to play!
Where is the 2025 Summer Music Program held?
Where is the 2025 Summer Music Program held?
At Strath Haven High School. Students should be dropped off at the Providence Road entrance.
How much does it cost to participate in the 2025 Summer Music Program?
How much does it cost to participate in the 2025 Summer Music Program?
$300 per rising 3rd through 12th grade student during the day
$270 per additional student family member in same household
No cost for adults/rising 8th-12th grade students in Evening Concert Band.
Scholarships/financial assistance available. Email Mr. Steve Fischer sfischer@wssd.org.
When is the 2025 Summer Music Concert?
When is the 2025 Summer Music Concert?
The 2023 Summer Music Concert will be on Thursday, July 10th at 6:30pm.
What time are the lessons for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
What time are the lessons for the 2025 Summer Music Program?
First, a glossary:
Beginning = starting this summer
Intermediate = 1- 3 years experience
Advanced = 3+ years experience
Enrichment is the bucket drums, ukulele and steel drums.
Strings:
Beginning Strings: TR 8:00-10:20 (Lesson, then Ensemble, then Enrichment)
Intermediate Strings: TR 8:50-11:10 (Enrichment, then Lesson, then Ensemble)
Advanced Strings: TR 10:30-12:50 (Enrichment, then Lesson, then Ensemble)
Beginning Band:
Beginning Woodwinds: MW 8:00-10:20 (Lesson, then Enrichment, then Ensemble)
Beginning Brass: MW 8:50-11:10 (Lesson, then Ensemble, then Enrichment)
Beginning Percussion: MW 9:40-12:00 (Ensemble, then Enrichment, then Lesson)
Intermediate Band:
Intermediate Woodwinds: MW 8:50-11:10 [or 8:50-12:00] (Enrichment, then Ensemble, then Lesson, plus optional Jazz Band)
Intermediate Brass: MW 8:50-11:10 [or 8:50-12:00] (Lesson, then Ensemble, then Enrichment, plus optional Jazz Band)
Intermediate Percussion: MW 9:40-11:10 and 12:10-12:50 [or 9:40-12:50] (Ensemble, then Enrichment, then optional Jazz Band, then Lesson)
High School/Adult Band:
HS Woodwinds: MW 6:30-8:00PM Ensemble and TR 9:40-10:20 Lesson
HS Brass: MW 6:30-8:00PM Ensemble and TR 10:30-11:10 Lesson
HS Percussion: MW 6:30-8:00PM Ensemble and TR 12:10-12:50 Lesson
Adult Band only: MW 6:30-8:00PM Ensemble
HS Music Theory: TR 11:20-12:00 Group
Chorus:
Children's Chorus: MW 10:30-11:10 Ensemble
Can I do both school sports and music?
Can I do both school sports and music?
Yes! The high school and middle school athletics and music practice schedules are deliberately set up to allow you to participate fully in both sports and music. Both are important to a happy life.
Where can I find a private teacher?
Where can I find a private teacher?
The school maintains a list of recommended private music teachers. You can find that list below:
NAME INSTRUMENT PHONE EMAIL
Becki Simon Flute 610-996-8437 beckiflute@gmail.com
Diane Lombardo Flute 610 566-0843
Elisa Flute elisamuzzflute@gmail.com
Frances Tate Flute 410-274-9782 fran.penny@hotmail.com
Mary Kay Mann Flute/Tin whistle
/Celtic Harp 610 304-2939 auntkay@comcast.net http://www.marykaymann.com/
Erica Westcott Flute ewestcott00@gmail.com
Roberta Winemiller Oboe/Bassoon 610-220-0694 rrwinemiller@gmail.com
Heidi Coleman Oboe 484 431-6338
Michael Langston Oboe 270-816-2271 michaellangston53@yahoo.com
Aimee Fein Bassoon aimee@feinmusic.com
Karen DiSanto Clarinet 610-757-5800 kjshantzdisanto@gmail.com
Christopher DiSanto Clarinet 610-543-1642 Kmdisanto@hotmail.com
Joe Smith Clarinet/Sax 610 328-0730 smith685@yahoo.com
Ally Williams (SHMS) Clarinet/Sax awilliams@wssd.org
Steve Fischer (SHHS) Saxophone/clarinet 610 256-6710 sfischer@wssd.org
Mark Stanford Sax/Beg. Clarinet 267-205-4334 M22jstanford@gmail.com
Joe Greenhalgh (WES) Saxophone 610 308-8281 jgreenhalgh@wssd.org
Terry Rowlyk Saxophone/Jazz 610 329-0969 drrowlyk@gmail.com https://www.iqinstrumentrentals.com/
Rick Swallow Woodwinds/Brass 610 872-1547
John Shankweiler Trumpet 610 892-3470; x2136 jshankweiler@wssd.org
John Thysen Trumpet 610 358-9556
Hayley Lombard (NPE) Trumpet hlombard@wssd.org
Al Blatter French horn/Trombone 610 565-7678
Joan Dowlin French horn 610 812-9770
Patricia Giangiulio French horn 610 506-5054
Allie Pignataro French Horn 610-299-3821 allieburkhart@gmail.com
Matthew Hontz French Horn mhontz24@gmail.com
Ellie O’Hare-Gorman French Horn 845-476-4604 ohare.ellie107@gmail.com
Henry Pearlberg Trombone/Euphonium 610-764-4794 henrypearlberg@gmail.com
Barry McCommon Trombone 215 219-2440
Jason Wu Tuba/Euphonium/Bari. 610-888-9350 jjwmusic1001@gmail.com
Joseph Borell Trombone/Low Brass jborell@mnsd.org
Tim Gorman Low Brass 484-525-2782 timgoman@gmail.com
Will Rachko All Brass 215-910-0556
Bonnie Strang All Brass 610 565-1515 wrachko@gmail.com
Gusten Rudolph Perc/Drum Set 484-576-0943 gustenrudolph@gmail.com
Mark Beecher Perc/Drum Set 610 613-6538 mbdrums@aol.com
Matt Langlois Perc/Drum Set 610-757-8038 Matt.Langlois@musicarts.com
Jeremy Davis Percussion 215-534-6605 jeremydavisdrums@gmail.com
Strings
Ingrid Rosenback Violin 484-326-8311 irosenba@verizon.net
Amie Richan Violin/Viola 610-247-8770 amierichan@comcast.net
Barbara Ostroff Violin/Viola 610 544-9709 bro.viol@verizon.net
Annmarie Marchesani Violin 610 544-2279 aria513@comcast.net
Serban Petrescu Violin/Viola 484 639-1088 pianoandviolinlessons@gmail.com
Jake L’Armand Violin 570-447-8986 jglarmand@yahoo.com
Carol Briselli Viola/Violin 484-841-6445 carolbriselli@verizon.net
Alice Quirk Violin/Viola 484 477-6996 strollingviolins@gmail.com
Davis Barnett Viola/Violin 610-585-4826 daviolas@aol.com
Beth Bronwyn Violin/Viola/Piano 484-620-0784 info@bronwynbethviolin.com www.bronwynbethviolin.com
Amy Leonard Viola 610 649-4585 akleonard1@aol.com
Lily Eckman Cello/Violin/Viola 717-449-8348 lilyeckman@gmail.com https://lilyeckmanstrings.com/
Jane Urban (NPE) Cello 610 393-1778 janeurb@hotmail.com
Paul Eves Cello 610 853-2185 pevespm@yahoo.com
Lily Eckman Cello https://lilyeckmanstrings.com (beginners)
Kitty Bobnak Cello 610 649-6612 klbobnak@msn.com
Mara Parker Cello 610 627-0984 maraeparker@gmail.com
Anne Peterson Bass 610 505-2214 annepetersonbass@gmail.com
Mike Chaffin Bass 814 574-9138 michael.bassist@gmail.com
Heather Miller-Lardin Bass 607 342-4163 heathermillerlardin@gmail.com
James McLaughlin Guitar 484-288-0373 jmclaughlin@wssd.org
Piano
Rachel Byrd 484-832-5074 rachel.byrd12@gmail.com
Joe Civale 610-295-3163
Chris Emata 610-547-4679 chrisemata@yahoo.com
Joelyn Foster 617-501-8224 joelynfoster@aol.com
Diana Hemmenway 610-724-7142 diana.hemmenway@gmail.com
Tatyana Mykhaylova 267-303-4324 tatyana_mykhaylova@yahoo.com
Amie Richan 610-247-8770 amierichan@comcast.net
Tatyana Roytshteyn 610-504-1374 pianoandviolinlessons@gmail.com
Randahl Williams 610-662-7373 rwilliamsjr@usioffice.net
James McLaughlin 484-288-0373 jmclaughlin@wssd.org
Ann Bobes annbobespiano@gmail.com
Voice
Rachel Byrd 484-832-5074 rachel.byrd12@gmail.com
Joelyn Foster 617-501-8224 joelynfoster@aol.com
Valerie Haber 484-680-1384 val.haber@gmail.com
Teresa Moyer 484-557-1121 tnmoyer@gmail.com
Tatyana Mykhaylova 267-303-4324 tatyana_mykhaylova@yahoo.com
Amie Richan 610-247-8770 amierichan@comcast.net
Heidi Starr 610 368-7066 hstarrstudio@gmail.com
Tracey Sturgis 610-389-8732 traceysturgis@gmail.com
Heidi Williams (Voice & guitar) 316-435-8012 Randhwilliams2017@gmail.com
Additional Resources
Temple Music Prep (Lessons on all instruments, voice types, and music theory. Jazz, Suzuki and traditional/classical genres/methods available). Remote, hybrid, and in-person options - boyer.temple.edu/musicprep
Musicprep@temple.edu
215.204.1512
Rubato School of Music (various instruments) - https://www.rubatoschoolofmusic.com/
Breaking the Barrier School of Music (various instruments) - https://btbschoolofmusic.com/
Advanced Music Network https://www.advancedtutoringnetwork.com/music
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