Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you have a question about WSSD music you'd like to see answered? Contact Lauren at Communications@WSSDMusic.org. If she doesn't know, she'll find out. Lauren will get back to you, and you may see your question answered here.
Who runs that musical group?
Who runs that musical group?
Elementary Schools
Elementary Schools
NPE: Mrs. Hayley Lombard (orchestra & band), Mrs. Katie Troutman (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
6th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams
7th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams
8th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams
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
Signature Strings (SHMS)
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 Steve Fischer (sfischer@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 - SHMS
Jassamine Harris - SHMS
Hayley Lombard – 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 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
SHMS Ellington Jazz Band: Ellington Jazz Band will rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-3 in the band room. Any conflicts should be communicated to Mrs Williams ASAP.
SHMS Basie Jazz Band: Basie Jazz Band will rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3 in Mr. McLaughlin's room.
SHMS Signature Strings: Signature Strings will rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3. Conflicts should be communicated to Ms. Harris.
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 and the Ellington Jazz Band.
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
Katie Troutman
Katie Troutman
Ms. Troutman directs the NPE chorus.
ktroutman@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 2026 Summer Music Program?
When is the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Session 1: June 22-25
Session 2: July 6-9
When can I sign up for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
When can I sign up for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Now!!
How do I sign up for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
How do I sign up for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
TINYURL.COM/SUMMERMUSICPROGRAM
Who can participate in the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Who can participate in the 2026 Summer Music Program?
The 45th Annual Summer Music program is open to students entering 3rd through 12th grade in the Fall. Rising 8th-12th grade students and adults of any age are welcome to join the evening concert band. The Summer Program is open to both WSSD and non-WSSD residents. The Summer Program is open to both WSSD and non-WSSD residents!!
Where can I rent an instrument for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Where can I rent an instrument for the 2026 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 2026 Summer Music Program held?
Where is the 2026 Summer Music Program held?
At Strath Haven Middle School. Students should be dropped off at the Copples Lane entrance.
How much does it cost to participate in the 2026 Summer Music Program?
How much does it cost to participate in the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Cost:
1 week full day: $200
1 week afternoons only: $100
2 weeks full day: $300
2 weeks afternoons only: $200
No cost for adults/rising 8th-12th grade students in Evening Concert Band.
Scholarships/financial assistance available. Email Mr. Steve Fischer sfischer@wssd.org.
Payment:
WSSD families pay online through MySchoolBucks. Non-WSSD families write check to WSSD, write Summer Music Program in memo. Mail to: Steve Fischer, 205 S. Providence Road, Wallingford, PA 19086
When are the 2026 Summer Music Concerts?
When are the 2026 Summer Music Concerts?
Week one session: June 25th, 2026 at 7pm
Week two session plus Evening Concert Band: July 9th, 2026 at 7pm
All program participants perform in culminating concerts at Strath Haven Middle School.
What time are the lessons for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
What time are the lessons for the 2026 Summer Music Program?
Students during the day: 1 and 2 week options
● 8am-3:20pm, OR,
● 12:15pm-3:20pm
Adults/High School Students: Evening Concert Band rehearsals Mondays and Wednesdays
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:
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