Welcome to Jericho Fine and Performing Arts
The Jericho School District Fine and Performing Arts Department is nationally recognized and celebrated for excellence in arts education. We are proud of our community support that embraces and values the variety of experiences fostered in grades K-12.
Jericho provides opportunities congruent with the NY State Learning standard of the arts instructed by highly qualified art and music educators who collaborate to engage learners with sequential, interactive, and creative methods. Our programs demonstrate traditional techniques along with progressive ideas to incorporate 21st century skills and technology.
Jericho Arts Philosophy Statement
The arts develop an aptitude for the value of imagination and ingenuity, encouraging the growth of well-rounded citizens of the world. The Jericho School District is committed to ensuring that every child has an opportunity to create, perform, experience, and learn about the arts in many forms. Through a variety of music and art course offerings, students participate in performance-based tasks designed to promote creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate out-of-the box thinking. Study of the arts encourages students to view the world through a variety of lenses while fostering their ability to communicate, collaborate, express ideas and problem solve in the 21st century.
Academic Courage Goal:
The NYS learning standards for the arts are used to guide curriculum and instruction that is sequential and intentional to maximize the learning experience in the four processes: creating, performing/presenting, responding, and connecting. It is our goal to better understand our student’s needs in order to develop courageous opportunities for them to become lifelong learners in the arts with academic, social, and emotional success by establishing a safe environment where all students are valued to reach their potential incorporating high expectations and spirit for personal/collaborative advancement.
New York State Learning Standards for the Arts:
Overview
ELEMENTARY
Students attend weekly visual art and general music classes. Each elementary school provides interactive interdisciplinary experiences through classroom collaboration and/or extra-curricular activities.
Orchestra Grade 4: introductory ensemble for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Participants receive weekly small group instruction along with large group performance rehearsals in preparation for the spring concert.
Orchestra Grade 5: Beginner ensemble for violin, viola, cello, and bass instruments. Participants receive weekly small group instruction along with large group performance rehearsals in preparation for winter and spring concerts.
Band Grade 4: introductory ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Participants receive weekly small group instruction along with large group performance rehearsals in preparation for the spring concert.
Band Grade 5: Beginner ensemble for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Participants receive weekly small group instruction along with large group performance rehearsals in preparation for winter and spring concerts.
Grade 4 and 5 Chorus: This experience provides all students with melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic vocal skills with varied repertoire. The introductory and beginner chorus perform at annual concerts.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grades 6-8: Middle School offers alternating day exploratory music education for grades 6 and 7. Our vocal students can participate in alternating day chorus classes in grades 6, 7, and 8. Instrumental students participate in daily performance grade level ensembles including band, orchestra. Jazz Band is an afterschool club for students enrolled in a Middle School Ensemble.
Visual Arts provides every middle school student with foundational skills in preparation for high school art courses. These courses focus on the elements and principles of art and incorporate materials that promote 2D and 3D artwork that is developed with historical, cultural, and technical learning lens. After school art club and anime are available for students.
HIGH SCHOOL
Grades 9-12: Many of our High School Students continue to participate in our band, orchestra, and chorus ensembles as well as Jazz Band class. Our young composers enjoy learning about music theory on a variety of levels, theory I, theory II, Advanced Harmony, and AP Theory. After school activities include, musical theater, pit orchestra, pep band, Tri M Music Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society.
The visual arts department offers studio, media, digital arts, drawing and painting, ceramics and photography. Advanced Placement and College level courses are provided. Students wishing to design a portfolio toward college are encouraged to complete the comprehensive coursework and mentorship of our Art teachers. After school activities include art club, National Art Honor society.
Additional information
Contests and Festivals:
As members of our local, county and state arts organizations, we proudly support, promote, and encourage participation in many contests and festivals. The art and music teachers invest great enthusiasm exposing students to a variety of experiences that bring great pride. We are committed to the success of our student’s high achievements in these activities that represent excellence in art and music education.
General Information for Ensemble Participation:
Rehearsal Attendance: Students must arrive on time with their required materials. Respectful behavior is expected from members of all groups.
Concert Attendance: One of the most rewarding aspects of performing in a music group is the collaboration and teamwork to create music together. The presence of every member in the ensemble is very important.
Performance Attire: The director of each ensemble will communicate via email and Canvas to explain the expectations for supplies and concert clothing. Please contact your child’s band, orchestra, chorus teacher for specific details.
Department Highlights:
Our districtwide distinction as Best Communities of Music Education is a national recognition of our district-wide programs, our HS Orchestra has earned a level 6 rating of Gold with Distinction and our musicians in grades 4-12 have been selected for many county, state and regional ensembles including some unique events such as performing at the Jazz Loft. Each year hundreds of our student musicians participate in the NYSSMA solo festival to be evaluated by a trained music adjudicator. These scores are utilized for eligibility for selections in All-County and All-State concerts. Assembly programs, visiting musicians and field trips bring real life experiences to our learning community.
Many annual art contests are introduced and made available to our students to enter including PTA Reflections, Scholastic, Bus/Fire Safety Poster, LI’s Best, and Photography to name a few. Throughout the school year, teachers highlight student work in our school buildings, the Jericho Public Library, and the All-County Art Exhibit, Heckscher Museum. Assembly programs, visiting artists, field trips bring art to life for our learning community.
Please reach out to us so that we can better accommodate your child(ren) as they navigate the world of music and art with confidence knowing they will be guided with professionalism, nurturing and knowledge.
Ruth Breidenbach, Curriculum Associate
Jericho Fine and Performing Arts
