MUSIC PROGRAM

Shue-Medill’s Music Department proudly boasts a roster of talented and dedicated students involved in Band, Choir and Orchestra in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The school is extremely fortunate to have top caliber instructors, who are accomplished performers outside of the classroom; they are Band Director- Mr. Lloyd Walton, Choir Director- Mrs. Rachel Snyder, and Orchestra Director- Ms. Rosaria Macera.

Our students receive education in both performance and music theory and perform in six well attended concerts per year which are held at the school. The Music Department also sponsors a popular Cabaret Night where the students can perform music of their own choice as soloists or in small ensembles. We also offer a school-wide musical to showcase our students’ talents.

OUR DIRECTORS

BAND
The band program is available to students with at least one year's experience and is organized into a 6th grade band as well as a 7th & 8th grade Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This year's numbers reflect a growing interest and enthusiasm for instrumental music, and promises to be an exciting experience for all.

As an elective class that meets all year, students earn grades daily through demonstrated preparedness, participation and progress as well as through periodic concert performances where the bands share their hard work with friends and families.

CHORUS
The choir is divided up into two ensembles: the Shue Singers, and the Select Choir. With about 170 total members this year, we are very excited for the ensembles' strengths. Each choir performs 2-3 times throughout the year at various concerts. The Select Choir will also be performing a musical revue in February.

Mrs. Rachel Snyder is the choral director. This is her 3rd year at Shue. She taught 3 years previous in NJ, from where she hails. Mrs. Snyder received her B.S in Music Education with a vocal concentration from Lebanon Valley College in 2003. There, she was able to perform, as well as tour Italy with her Chamber choir, performing at various locations. She is very excited for the program here at Shue, which started out with 35 members her first year. 2 years later, our participation is astronomical.

ORCHESTRA

The Shue Strings consists of sixth, seventh and eight grade string players grouped in four classes. Students in the Symphonia, Chamber Orchestra, and Jump Start Strings work to advance performance and musicianship skills through sequential music learning activities and performances of varied repertoire. This year, members will present four programs as well as a solo/ensemble recital and performances at school assemblies and special functions. The string ensembles participate in performance trips, fundraisers and sessions with visiting artists.

Ms. Rosaria Macera is the Orchestra Director and String Specialist at Shue-Medill Middle School and Newark High School. As a professional orchestral violinist, she performs with the Delaware Symphony. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from the New School of Music Conservatory (Philadelphia) and a Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of Delaware, where she continues her post-graduate studies. In 2005, Ms. Macera became a National Board Certified Teacher and currently serves as District Chair of the Christina Music Department.

If you would like to know more about the program, please contact: