Welcome to the Dryden Music Department

Welcome to the Dryden Music Department! The Dryden schools provide students with a music education in grades K-12 through numerous opportunities in classroom music, chorus and band. Students may begin to participate in performing ensembles such as chorus when they reach the third grade. Upon entering fourth grade they have the opportunity to conintue in chorus and/or join the elementary band. Students who do not join band in fourth grade may wait one year and join the band in fifth grade. Students in these two tracks (chorus and band) can broaden their experiences in these courses by participating in numerous groups such as concert band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, a cappella groups, chorus, and numerous chamber ensembles.

We believe that a quality music education is the birthright of all students. It is our goal to provide students with the opportunities to develop skills that will allow them to become musically literate citizens. These skills include reading, composing, performing, listening and evaluating music from a wide variety of genres and cultures. Having acquired these skills, it is our hope that music will become a life experience extending beyond their brief time in the school system.

“Music is an essential part of everything we do. Like puppetry, music has an abstract quality which speaks to a worldwide audience in a wonderful way that nourishes the soul.”

“In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’ – and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource – our children.”

“During the Gulf War, the few opportunities I had for relaxation I always listened to music, and it brought me great peace of mind. I have shared my love of music with people throughout this world, while listening to the drums and special instruments of the Far East, Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Far North, and all of this started with the music appreciation course that I was taught in a third-grade elementary class in Princeton, New Jersey. What a tragedy it would be if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children.”

Intergenerational Band! Join the FUN!!Dryden Area Intergenerational SUMMER BAND and CHORUS celebrating 17 years in 2012! All ages and skills welcome. No auditions; no fees.

Participants need not register in advance and should plan on attending at least one half of the rehearsals and the concert - unless prior arrangements have been made with the director. It is suggested that band members have at least two years of playing experience. Information- contact Jody Earle, jaearle@twcny.rr.com or 607-347-4792

Tompkins County Youth Orchestra: This local organization is a full symphony orchestra that is looking for brass and woodwind applicants. They are accepting applicants in grades 5-8 who are able to play a level 3 NYSSMA solo or higher. Rehearsals are on Sunday evenings. Please see their website for further information or email them at: info@tcyo.org