Music Ensembles and Classes at Nonnewaug High School
Students will create, perform, and respond to music in a way that prepares them to understand and experience music through a variety of styles and musical genres. Students will become self-reflective musicians, thinkers, and learners and will have the ability to transfer these skills to other areas of their lives. Students who participate in music classes at Nonnewaug High School will have the opportunity to participate in various concerts, festivals, community, and school events throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to perform with the Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Orchestra. The music department allows students to engage the school and community through co-curricular music ensembles after school. The Jazz Band focuses on the American music developed especially from ragtime and blues. The Jazz Band allows students to explore the characterization of the style through the syncopated rhythms, ensemble playing, and through soloing and improvisation. The Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble open to students by audition who play a string instrument. The group performs classical to modern string pieces and studies ensembles practices for a modern-day string quartet. The Guitar ensemble is open to all students who currently play or have an interest in playing the guitar. The ensemble works on music from many different genres and allows students to explore their own musical interest. The Tri-M National Music Honor Society allows students the opportunity to explore how music engages society through education, performing, and leadership.
Nick Ciasullo, Music Teacher, Department Chair
Orchestra
Choir
Music Theater
Guitar
Piano
Sound Engineering
Advisor, Tri-M Music Honor Society
Music Director, Spring Musical "Godspell"
Joel Pietrorazio
Jazz Band Director
Chris Connelly
Rock Ensemble Director
Music Mission Statement
Music, a core subject integral to every student's education, fosters self-directed learning, knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and compassion through the artistic processes of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Courses and ensembles in this sequential, comprehensive in-school music program align with National Core Arts Standards. Students in our courses and ensembles collaborate, persevere, excel academically, and contribute to their communities. Our mission is to cultivate 21st-century learners with a lifelong, meaningful connection to the arts.