Music Department

Our welcoming elementary music program serves students in kindergarten through third grade. Through STEAM based learning, students build foundational skills in early music. In third grade, students begin recorder instruction, developing coordination, music-reading skills, focus, and resilience. Throughout the year, grade-level concerts celebrate student growth and give children the opportunity to share their learning and experience the excitement of performing for an audience. 

 

The Shippensburg Area Intermediate School music program serves students in grades 4 and 5, providing all students with a strong foundation through general music classes. Students may explore string instruments in 4th and 5th grade, band instruments in 5th grade, while chorus is available to students in both grades. Through these varied opportunities, students develop musical skills, confidence, creativity, and teamwork while preparing for performances that celebrate their growth and learning. 

 

Shippensburg Area Middle School offers General Music to students in grades 6–8. The course provides students with opportunities to explore a variety of musical skills and experiences, including keyboard and guitar performance. Students also explore music composition and theory through NoteFlight Learn, a computer-assisted composition program that allows them to apply musical concepts through technology. This course provides students with opportunities to develop their musicianship through performance, creativity, music literacy, and technology.

This also gives the overall SASD music department a nice K–12 progression: students encounter general music and foundational skills at the middle-school level, then have opportunities to pursue more specialized performance and music coursework at the high school.

For students in grades 6–8, the Middle School Music Department provides a dynamic setting to pursue artistic expression through Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, and Color Guard. As musicians refine their technique and musical voice, they take on greater responsibility, practice discipline, and grow through both individual study and ensemble collaboration. A passion for music connects students across the program, while performances throughout the year offer meaningful opportunities to share their work and contribute to a vibrant musical community. 

 

 

At Shippensburg Area Senior High School, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performing ensembles, including Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band/Color Guard, and Chorus. Participation in these ensembles requires a teacher recommendation and/or audition.

The high school music department also offers a diverse selection of elective courses, including Music Theory, Musical Theater, Piano, and Music Appreciation. These courses provide students with opportunities to explore music through performance, composition, analysis, history, and appreciation.

In addition to curricular offerings, students may participate in several extracurricular ensembles and performing arts opportunities, including Jazz Band, Sharps, the fall play, and the spring musical. High school ensembles also have the opportunity to travel every other year, providing students with meaningful performance and educational experiences beyond the local community.

The Shippensburg Area School District has maintained a strong tradition of musical excellence. Students have successfully advanced to PMEA District, Regional, and All-State ensembles, representing Shippensburg at increasingly competitive levels and demonstrating the high level of musicianship developed within the program.