Music

The Glen Cove Music Department is known for its fine tradition of excellence. Students begin their musical journey in kindergarten and continue through their senior year in high school. Our musicians are given the opportunity to be part of performing ensembles that include band, chorus, and orchestra, as well as a variety of classroom music experiences. In addition, the music department offers many extra-curricular activities, such as jazz band, pep band, a cappella groups, musical theater performances, drum line, and fine arts festivals. Award winning performances are enjoyed throughout the year by families and community members alike.

The elementary music program strives to give a variety of musical experiences to every student. In General Music class, students learn the basics of rhythm, melody, harmony, music theory, composition and performance through singing, movement and in the playing of instruments. As part of the written K - 6 music curriculum, third graders learn to play the recorder in order to introduce them to music theory, following a conductor and playing as an ensemble in order to get them ready to begin on an instrument in 4th grade. Students in the 4th and 5th grade may participate in orchestra and band. All K - 5 students perform as members of their respective grade level chorus at Winter and Spring Concerts.

The Cultural Arts programs at the elementary level allow all students the opportunity to explore a wide range of aesthetic and experiential arts activities. These programs include: The Tilles Center Arts in Education School Partnership and the Jazz Sampler project. These programs include workshops with professional teaching artists and attendance at various professional performances.

The Robert M. Finley Middle School music department aims to enrich each and every student’s musical experience. Whether a student is enrolled in a performing ensemble or a general music class, every child receives the opportunity to explore the world of music. Middle school music is the bridge between the beginning experiences at the elementary level and the advanced ensembles at the high school. Therefore, this time is crucial in a child’s musical development. The faculty strives to create an environment where students are not afraid to take chances and experiment in this art form while developing advanced musicianship and musical concepts.

The following music courses are offered at the middle school:

• Chorus 6
• Orchestra 6
• Band 6
• Chorus 7/8
• Orchestra 7/8
• Band 7/8
• General Music

Our High School Music department is generally one of the busiest areas of the building. The courses offered act as an avenue for musical enjoyment, or as a stepping stone towards a career in music. There is a wide variety of offerings here which include Music Theory I, AP Music Theory, Concert Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Mixed Chorus, and Select Chorale.

Our music theory courses are geared towards the advanced music student and are a great prerequisite to college music courses. The performing groups are top notch; our Wind Ensemble and Select Chorale are among some of the top groups in New York State. We are also very excited that the orchestral program that was started 8 years ago has arrived at the high school!

2025 NYSSMA Festival

SOLO NYSSMA (Grades K-12)

April 2 and 3, 2025 at Glen Cove High School

ALL STATE NYSSMA

April 4 and 5, 2025 at Herricks High School 

What is NYSSMA? Many of our student musicians perform in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo and Ensemble festival each year. Students may perform more than one instrument (or voice) and solo/ensemble composition. If a student performs as a soloist, he/she must prepare scales from memory (instrumental only), and perform a solo from the official NYSSMA manual before an official NYSSMA adjudicator. The ratings for levels I-IV are: O (outstanding), E (excellent), G (good), N (needs improvement). Ratings for levels V-VI are determined by an overall numerical performance score which converts to a letter grade. Each student will receive his or her own adjudication sheet that explains the grade. Students that perform in an ensemble (duets, trios, etc.) are only responsible for performing the selected piece of music. 

Why should students perform at NYSSMA? Students receive a written evaluation/rubric which provides constructive criticism and positive reinforcement about their performance. The solo/ensemble performance is conducted by an adjudicator who specializes on the student’s particular instrument. This authentic assessment can be used for self-reflection and personal growth. The evaluation is also used by music teachers to assist with student nominations for possible acceptance into All-County, All-State and All-Eastern performing groups. 

Should I participate in NYSSMA? Performing a NYSSMA solo/ensemble is optional. Students should select a piece of music and begin preparing months in advance of the performance date. Your teacher can help recommend a musical selection to perform. Students should be motivated to participate and have an established practice routine to do their best. Although it is not required for students to have a private teacher to participate, it is not uncommon for this to be a consideration. Limited time is available during the school day to help all students prepare NYSSMA solos. It is recommended that students dress nice, but comfortable for the performance. Music should be chosen from the current NYSSMA Manual (Manual Edition 33, effective July 2022) which is in every school music office. If you have a private teacher, make sure they are using the CURRENT manual. 

All students however, must register through a school music teacher and should play or sing their selection for the music teacher prior to the festival adjudication. If a student does not play/sing for their respective music teacher, and is not adequately prepared, a teacher has the right to remove the student from the NYSSMA Festival.

2025

THE NYSSMA SOLO/ALL STATE FESTIVAL

Level 1 - 6 (Regular NYSSMA/All State) (Non Piano)

The NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Solo Music Festival (all grade levels) will be held at GLEN COVE High School on April 2 and 3, 2025.

Level 6 ALL STATE

The NYSSMA All State Festival will be held at Herricks High School on April 4 and 5, 2025. All musicians who are enrolled in performing groups are eligible to participate in the NYSSMA festival. Students are given the opportunity to perform a prepared piece before an adjudicator and receive a written evaluation and grade.  For secondary students, these grades weigh heavily on their acceptance into next year’s All County, All State, All Eastern and All National organizations.

Music should be chosen from the current NYSSMA Manual (Manual Edition 33, effective July 2022) which is in every school music office. If you have a private teacher, make sure they are using the CURRENT manual. If your child is enrolled in private instruction he/she should consult the private teacher regarding the choice of music, otherwise the school music teacher can help the student select the piece.

All students however, must register through a school music teacher and should play or sing their selection for the music teacher prior to the festival adjudication. If a student does not play/sing for their respective music teacher, and is not adequately prepared, a teacher has the right to remove the student from the NYSSMA Festival.

If your son/daughter is interested in participating, please fill out the form below and return it, along with the fee to his/her music teacher no later than MONDAY FEBRUARY 10th. You will be informed prior to the festival as to when he/she has been scheduled to play/sing.

Students will receive their evaluation forms and grades from their music teacher in school the week following the festival.

NYSSMA Solo Festival Form

NYSSMA Solo Festival Form - Spanish

 

2025 PIANO NYSSMA Festival

March 18th, 19th, 20th at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center