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!