The comprehensive Music Program in West Seneca provides outstanding opportunities for every student! Students may participate at their own level of interest as a performer, listener, or composer. The school board, the district, and the community are committed to providing a quality music education program for all students.
The Music Department is an active participant in the New York State Arts in Education program, Young Audiences, the Arts in Education Institute, the Buffalo Philharmonic Educational concert series, Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA), New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), Music Educators National Conference (MENC), New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA), New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC), Bands Of America (BOA), Lakeshore Marching Band Assn. (LMBA), American String Teachers Assn. (ASTA), the International Assn. for Jazz Education (IAJE) and the New York State Theatre Education Association.
Classroom music and vocal instruction is provided from kindergarten through grade six. Students receive instruction twice weekly by a certified music specialist in singing, recorder playing, rhythm instruments, musical theater, world drumming and music technology. In grade 4 children begin instruction on string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. They may also participate in their school's concert band, orchestra, chorus and jazz ensemble during the school day. Group instrumental music lessons are provided on a weekly basis. Advanced music students at all levels actively participate in county and state music solo and ensemble festivals throughout the year.
West Seneca's Music Program continues to strive for excellence at the secondary level. Seventh grade students are introduced to classroom guitar and music composition. High school students continue their musical studies in Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Foundations of Music and Music In Our Lives courses. The excellence of the program is evidenced by the large number of students selected for ECMEA All-County, NYSSMA Area All-State, NYSSMA Conference All-State, MENC National Conferences, the Southtown's Youth Orchestra, the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra and the New York State Summer School for the Arts in Saratoga, New York. The performing organizations have received numerous distinctions and honors, including NYSSMA gold with distinction and superior festival ratings in wind ensemble, concert band, jazz ensemble, marching band, orchestra, string ensemble, vocal jazz ensemble, chorus and musical productions. Performances include the Buffalo Bills, Bisons, and Sabres games, hospital, retirement and nursing facilities, telethons, community functions, parades, businesses, national tours, competitions and school events.
