Community Conversations

The Methacton School District is so incredibly proud of our music program that allows all students the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of instruments and musical experiences. Having been designated as a National Association of Music Merchants awardee for each of the past 8 years, Methacton’s music program continues a long tradition of excellence that fosters future musicians, vocalists, and leaders.

Our music program was previously highlighted in the Methacton Points of Pride video series. In that series you can see that beginning at the Elementary level, our primary focus for instruction is singing, playing, and movement. In an effort to develop music literacy, many students take up instruments, learn how to read music and participate in Chorus, Band, and Orchestra. There are various concert performance opportunities throughout the school year, along with small group lessons. A large percentage of the student body regularly participates in one or more of these co-curricular activities.

Students continue to develop their musical talents at Skyview Upper Elementary School. Instruction begins with a focus on acoustics and the science of sound and is coupled with geography and discovery of music from around the world. Students also closely examine American music genres and continue advancing their skills within their selected Chorus, Band, and Orchestra activities. In 7th grade at Arcola Intermediate School, students are introduced to music technologies using hardware and software to program, create, and learn while producing their own music. In 8th Grade, students learn about music theory and incorporate music with video and MIDI instrumentation. Classes also develop our students’ classical music history understanding, along with beginner and advanced Guitar. Chorus, Band, and Orchestra are also offered at this grade level to improve the musical development of our students.

The high school has a plethora of options for the future college music major, professional instrumentalist, and those who simply love music and music creation. This highly renowned and award-winning music program provides an array of offerings including Concert Band, String Ensemble, Chorale, Choir, AP Music Theory, and digital audio engineering.

There is no better time to see the fruits of our students' musical talents than during the recent winter concert series. Each elementary school, Skyview, Arcola, and the High School held student performances that are indicative of the commitment our staff has to the musical success of our students. These performances showcase the tremendous efforts of our parents and guardians who ensure student musicians and vocalists are able to arrive early or stay late for rehearsals.

Seeing our student performers during this concert series is certainly a highlight of the holiday season. It is also a highlight of the renowned and rewarding music program that provides an opportunity for all students to shine.

This winter season, I encourage you to join me in recognizing our music department staff and show them our appreciation for the significant investment they have made into teaching each and every student.

This December, the Alumni Spotlight features Michael Corrigan '85. From his early days as a high school soccer player to his current role as Executive Director of Government Operations at Boeing, Corrigan's career has soared to new heights, championing Methacton's core values of motivation and being open to opportunities.

Click here to read more about Michael Corrigan.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Now let’s take a look at some of the events and achievements

that took place across the district in December...

Congratulations to the Arrowhead student musicians and music teachers for a successful winter concert series! The students put on a show filled with holiday music and cheer, demonstrating their skills in Orchestra, Chimes, and Chorus. The students were led by Mrs. Basalik and Ms. Stephens, who have been working hard for weeks to prepare the students for their concert. Way to go, Arrowhead!

Congratulations to the talented Eagleville musicians and music teachers for their holiday concerts! The orchestra and chorus performed in front of family, friends, and their community. The 4th grade chorus also took their talents to the airwaves, competing in the B101 Christmas Choir Competition. Even though they didn't make it to the semifinals, their talent and hard work shine through! Listen to their performance of 'Gonna Catch That Santa' here.

Students, staff, families and members of the community had the pleasure of celebrating the upcoming season with performances by the Orchestra, Orff Ensemble and Chorus at the Woodland Winter Concert. Congratulations to all of the performers for putting in the long hours of practice and displaying their outstanding musical talents during the shows! Woodland students also competed in the B101 Christmas Choir Competition this year, performing 'Come Celebrate.' You can listen to their submission here.

Worcester Elementary and Meadowood Senior Living are fostering a beautiful partnership.

This month, the 4th Grade Choir brought holiday cheer to residents with a heartwarming performance of holiday songs. The school also offers monthly reading sessions for students to share with residents, and the Worcester Girls on the Run program recently spread joy and kindness by creating heartfelt cards and letters for Meadowood's residents.

The Skyview band visited Meadowood and Providence Place to perform a selection of holiday songs for the residents and staff. The residents enjoyed singing along to the classics and sharing stories with the students about their time in school band. The trumpet section also performed 'taps' as a touching tribute for the residents in the room.

The students in the Toys for Tots Club have been hard at work in the Arcola woodshop building 100 wooden alligator pull toys for Toys for Tots. They started the project in September. The club is also collecting toys for donations. We are so proud of these students for their many months of hard work to bring joy to children across our area!

17 outstanding Methacton students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society!

Tri-M is an international honor society dedicated to high school music students that exhibit outstanding leadership, service, scholarship, and character.

Tri-M is intended to honor students for their academic and musical accomplishments, to acknowledge them for their successes and volunteer work, and to motivate kids to reach their musical and leadership potential. See the full list of names here.

Students in various clubs and athletics participated in the annual Methacton Merry Market, hosted by the National Art Honor Society. Many clubs sold student-made items such as baked goods, ceramic bowls and dishes, paintings, ornaments and more. The baseball team was also there selling Methacton hats. All proceeds from the sales go back to the clubs, other programs like the Backpack Program, and nonprofits like the American Cancer Society.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Collegeville, PA, USA
Phone: 6104895000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MethactonSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @Methacton