Music

The SBRSD Music Department offers many opportunities for students to use and display their musical talent. Our objective can best be summarized in the phrase "Reaching for Excellence,” the goal of all we do together.

At the middle and high school levels, instrumental offerings include Elementary Band, Middle School Band, High School Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Western Mass. Instrumental opportunities. Choral offerings include Elementary Chorus, Middle School Chorus, High School Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Retro (girls), Dial Tones (boys), and Western Mass. Choral opportunities.

The chorus and band ensembles take part in two concerts each year. They also participate in the annual Latino Fest, the Senior Citizens Luncheon, the Sheffield Tree Lighting, the Memorial Day parades, and the High School Graduation.

In 2009, the Mt. Everett Band and the Mt. Everett Chorus were honored with Gold Medal Awards for their performances at the Heritage Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The ensembles traveled to Atlanta on a six-day trip, which featured both the chorus and the band performing music for national adjudication rank and rating. In this extraordinary educational setting, both groups were given on-stage clinics by noted judges, and each received written and taped comments on their work from the judges.

At the elementary level, the students enjoy weekly lessons in general music. There are also opportunities to take additional classes in chorus and to learn to play various instruments.

In March of each year, the Undermountain Elementary School offers two talent shows (Grades K-3 and 4-6) and invites South Egremont School students to also participate. Students showcase their talents on the elementary stage. They bravely and proudly sing, dance, demonstrate karate, tell jokes, do gymnastics, play musical instruments, do skits, etc. in front of their peers, teachers, families, and friends. It is wonderful to see the participants shine and express themselves in ways they may not otherwise have an opportunity to do so. This experience helps to nurture self-esteem and build positive community experience, both of which are high priorities in our schools.