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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs that musical group?
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
Basie Jazz Band (SHMS)
Mr. James McLaughlin
Ellington Jazz Band (SHMS)
Mrs. Allyson Williams
6th grade band
Mrs. Allyson Williams
7th & 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
6th grade chorus
Mr. James McLaughlin
7th & 8th grade chorus
Ms. Sarah Elsheakh
Cantabile (SHMS)
Ms. Sarah Elsheakh
Camerata (SHHS)
Mr. John Shankweiler
Cantata (SHHS)
Mr. John Shankweiler
Silvertones (SHHS)
Mr. John Shankweiler
Orchestras
6th grade orchestra
Mrs. Allyson Williams
7th & 8th grade orchestra
Mr. John Shankweiler
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?
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?
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?
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?
The instrumental teachers are as follows:
John Shankweiler – SHHS/SHMS; Chairperson, Music Department
Nicholas Pignataro – SHHS
Allyson Williams - SHMS
Hayley Daub – NPE
Joseph Greenhalgh – WES
Kara Suarez - SRS
What is the middle school band/orchestra schedule?
Bands 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 also sends 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 Ms. Williams to be added to the distribution list.
MUSIC DAY 1 – 7th Grade Band/8th Grade Chorus
MUSIC DAY 2 – 6th Grade Band/7th Grade Chorus
MUSIC DAY 3 – 8th Grade Band/6th Grade Chorus
6th Grade Orchestra: Rehearsals are Monday afternoons from 2:20 pm – 3:00 pm. Activity bus transportation are available for students take home afterwards.
7th & 8th Grade Orchestra: Rehearsals are every Tuesday morning. 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.
Meet the music teachers
John Shankweiler
Mr. Shankweiler is the chair of the WSSD music department. He directs the 7th & 8th grade orchestra and leads the high school singing ensembles.
jshankweiler@wssd.org
Nick Pignataro
Mr. Pignataro directs the SHHS marching band, concert bands, orchestra and chamber music ensembles.
npignataro@wssd.org
Allyson Williams
Mrs. Williams directs the middle school bands and the 6th grade orchestra.
awilliams@wssd.org
Sarah Elsheakh
Ms. Elsheakh directs the 7th & 8th grade chorus and Cantabile.
selsheakh@wssd.org
James McLaughlin
Mr. McLaughlin directs the middle school Basie Jazz Band, Modern Band and the 6th grade chorus.
jmclaughlin1@wssd.org
Hayley Lombard
Mrs. Lombard directs the NPE bands and orchestras.
hlombard@wssd.org
Joanne Haley
Mrs. Haley directs the WES 5th Grade Chorus and the Wallingford Orff Ensemble ("WOE").
jhaley@wssd.org
Joe Greenhalgh
Mr. Greenhalgh directs the WES bands and orchestras.
jgreenhalgh@wssd.org
Kara Suarez
Ms. Suarez directs the SRS bands and orchestras.
ksuarez@wssd.org
Can you tell me more about the Summer Music Program?
When is the 2023 Summer Music Program?
Monday to Thursday from June 26 to July 20, 2023.
When can I sign up for the 2023 Summer Music Program?
Starting March 1st, 2023.
How do I sign up for the 2023 Summer Music Program?
All the information and the registration for the 2023 Summer Music Program is on the WSSD website, https://sites.google.com/wssdgmail.org/havenbandorch/summer-program.
Who can participate in the 2023 Summer Music Program?
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
Adult members of our WSSD community who are interested in playing in a 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 2023 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?
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!
Where is the 2023 Summer Music Program held?
At Strath Haven Middle School. Students should be dropped off at the Copples Lane entrance to the building.
How much does it cost to participate in the 2023 Summer Music Program?
$260 per rising 3rd through 12th grade student during the day
$230 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: president@wssdmusic.org
When is the 2023 Summer Music Concert?
The 2023 Summer Music Concert will be on Thursday, July 20th at 6:30 pm.
What time are the lessons for the 2023 Summer Music Program?
First, a quick note: Enrichment is the bucket drums, ukulele and steel drums. Same stuff, new name!
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 (Enrichment, then Ensemble, then Lesson)
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
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?
The school maintains a list of recommended private music teachers. You can find that list below:
