Music Department

 

Elementary Band

All students who participate in the Elementary Band receive small-group instrumental instruction every six school days and students in 5th-6th grade additionally receive full ensemble instruction two days per week. The 6th-grade band is proud to have recently competed in the PMEA Music Performance Assessment and has been awarded superior ratings (the highest rating possible). In the 2023-24 school year the elementary band program consists of nearly 300 student performers and will perform up to 2 annual concerts. Please visit the elementary band website for more information about being a part of the band, practice videos for each instrument, and other useful tools for students.

 

Middle and High School Concert Band

Students in the middle school and high school Concert Bands participate and perform in up to 2 annual concerts performing music at or above their ability level. The middle school and high school band program has nearly 200 students participating. When students enter their 10th-grade year, they have the opportunity to audition for the Honors Wind Ensemble. The Honors Wind Ensemble is proud to have competed in the PMEA Music Performance Assessment throughout the years and been awarded several superior ratings (the highest rating possible). Avonworth School District is proud to have students who compete and place at PMEA district band events and in PMEA State Band as well as placing at other competitions including Nafme All-Nationals and All-Eastern Honors Ensembles.

 

Marching Band

The Marching Band includes students in grades 8-12 with 130 plus members.  They proudly represent Avonworth School District in multiple parades, Friday night football games, band festivals, and school pep rallies.  The marching band takes a yearly trip to perform for national audiences. Avonworth Marching Band has even been chosen multiple times to be featured at Disney World's Magic Kingdom parade - an honor that is highly sought after by high school marching bands all over the country.

 

Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble Program

Students in the jazz program have the opportunity to audition for the Jazz Band and/or the Jazz Ensemble. The Jazz Band features mainly our junior-high aged students in 6th-9th grade and the Jazz Ensemble features mainly our senior-high aged students in 9th-12th grade. Both groups rehearse separately during the spring semester after school. Students in the jazz program participate and perform in an annual spring concert along with other community events. The jazz ensemble opens up for the Balcony Big Band at Jergel’s like many of the other local high school jazz bands.

 

Student Lead Ensembles

Students have the autonomy to lead their own ensembles including but not limited to directing, scheduling rehearsals, and performing. Over the years the Student Lead Ensembles have organically transformed and modified to meet the desires of our students. Some examples of our student lead ensembles have included percussion ensemble, saxophone quartet, flute choir, and more.

 

Elementary Choir

All students who participate in the Elementary Chorus meet twice per week for thirty minutes. This group consists of nearly 100 members that perform in two concerts annually. Members of the chorus have the opportunity to participate in PMEA Elementary Sing Fest–an event that brings together singers for all across the Greater Pittsburgh area. These students learn the fundamentals of musicality through sight-reading, part-singing and collaborative performance.

 

MS / HS Choir

Students in middle and high school choir perform in a minimum of two concerts per year. Students will expand their knowledge of music and singing by performing at a higher level of difficulty in a wide variety of styles. These classes push students to improve their vocal technique, aural and oral skills, musical expression, sight-singing and music reading. Participating students have the option of auditioning to participate in PMEA festivals. The Avonworth Choral Program is proud to have students qualify for PMEA District, Region and All-State choral ensembles. 

 

Chamber Singers

Chambers Singers is the auditioned small ensemble for students in grades 9-12. At the end of their 8th grade year, students have the opportunity to audition for this ensemble. Rehearsals take place before school, twice per week. Chamber Singers perform in the two school concerts and at different venues throughout the community. The caliber of music is of the highest quality as students experience singing in up to 8-part harmony.

Elementary Orchestra

All students who participate in the Elementary Orchestra receive small-group instrumental instruction once every five school days for forty five minutes. Combined rehearsals for fifth and sixth grade orchestras occur at various times outside of the small-group instructional time. The program was created in 2021 with the program doubling in student size for the 2023-2024 school year. The orchestra was recognized by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and was awarded a grant to purchase a new music library in 2023. Students in the fifth and sixth grade orchestras will participate in two concerts while the fourth grade orchestra will participate in a spring performance.