BE BOLD BE BRAVE BE YOU
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
“LA SALLE TURNED ME FROM A BOY UNCERTAIN OF WHERE HE WAS GOING, TO A YOUNG MAN THAT WAS DETERMINED AND EXCITED FOR ALL OF THE NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN COLLEGE AND BEYOND. LA SALLE TAUGHT ME THAT ANYTHING WAS ATTAINABLE.”
J. Patrick Tice-Carroll ‘16 Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
LA SALLE’S HIGHLY REGARDED AND COMPREHENSIVE MUSIC PROGRAM IS UNMATCHED AMONG HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE DELAWARE VALLEY. Recognizing that students come to La Salle College High School
a variety of musical styles, including jazz and contemporary
with a wide variety of musical backgrounds, the Music Department
compositions. Wherever appropriate, students also participate
offers courses at a variety of levels so as to provide an appropriate
in the Concert Band, an organization that is given extensive
course of instruction to all. The beginning or intermediate
instruction in classical as well as contemporary expression.
instrumental musician will participate in the Introductory Music Performance Ensemble or the Intermediate Stage Band, which are
Students with interest in studying vocal music may participate
groups designed to give students facility in performing moderately
in chorus. Chorus classes are available at different skill levels,
difficult music material. The more advanced musician progresses
including freshman, intermediate, beginning upper classmen,
to participation in Advanced Stage Band or the Honors Advanced
and advanced chorus. All performance courses include units
Music, which are more skilled groups dedicated to exploring
in music theory.
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
A STRONG POINT OF THE MUSIC PROGRAM IS THE INCORPORATION OF PRIVATE INSTRUCTION INTO THE STUDENT’S DAILY ROSTER. ALL STUDENTS ARE GIVEN PRIVATE INSTRUCTION BY A WELLTRAINED CORE OF PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS DEDICATED TO THE ART OF DEVELOPING VOCAL AND/OR INSTRUMENTAL TALENTS. A student with special music interests may pursue these interests via a series of independently supervised programmed instruction.
La Salle graduates continue their education at some of the top music programs in the country including:
Berklee College of Music Carnegie Mellon School of Music Curtis Institute of Music Indiana University – Jacobs School of Music Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute Manhattan School of Music Oberlin Conservatory Temple University – Boyer College of Music and Dance University of the Arts
At La Salle, music is considered to be an integral part of the student’s education.
University of Miami University of North Texas College of Music University of Rochester Eastman School of Music
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
MUSIC CURRICULUM
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Introductory Music Performance (Freshman Band Elective)
expected to participate in Concert Band and/or Pep Band, excluding
The course provides the beginning student an opportunity to
strings, piano and guitar. Neither of these ensemble rehearsal schedules
develop his musicianship through ensemble performance of
conflict with any other classroom activity. (½ Credit/Full Year)
jazz and related idioms. The student rehearses and performs beginners’ arrangements from the big band repertoire. The course
Advanced Music Studies (Elective)
introduces the student to the fundamentals of music theory, jazz
An independent-study course where students are invited to explore
improvisation, and the early history of jazz. (1 Credit/Full Year)
the following topics: music theory, harmony, and musical forms and analysis. (½ Credit/Full Year)
Instrumental Instruction (Elective) Instrumental Instruction provides the student individual lessons on the instrument of his choice. Students are instructed in the techniques specific to his instrument and to his own ability level. Weekly assignments are given at each lesson and the student is expected to prepare these assignments to be evaluated at the following lesson. Because each student brings a different level of competency, progress is closely monitored as to keep the student advancing at a pace appropriate to his ability level. Within this course, and in addition to individual instruction, students are
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
R&B, Funk, and Latin Concepts (Elective) The course is designed to introduce the students to the great “Horn Bands” of the 70s and 80s, as well as the famous Salsa Bands throughout history by rehearsing and performing the actual orchestrations of these famous groups as well as original compositions in the style of Tower of Power; Earth, Wind and Fire; Tito Puente; and many others. Classes have the option of splitting up into two ensembles. Because of the advanced level of this class, enrollment is by teacher recommendation. (1 Credit/Full Year) Music Business and Technology (Elective)
Small Ensembles (Elective)
The course is designed to instruct students in the area of recording
Small Ensemble is a course dedicated to chamber ensemble
technology as related to individual projects as well as recording,
performance and is divided into two classes. The first being String
engineering, and mastering the projects of others. The first
Ensemble and the other Guitar Ensemble. Students will learn
semester will focus on the correct use of microphones (techniques,
about respective music repertoire, the specifics, and history of the
placement, selection), Garage Band, Pro Tools, and other related
literature. Both ensembles are required to perform at least two
recording software. After the student has a good understanding of
concerts a year. Students will be evaluated on their preparation
the tools, students will focus on a collaborative project that will be
and performance of the required music as well as progress in their
recorded, mastered, and engineered. That collaborative project will be
weekly private instruction. (1 Credit/Full year)
completed by the end of the second semester. (½ Credit/Full Year)
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
Advanced Music Performance (Stage Band Elective) The course will take the student to the next musical level through advanced arrangements and a more in depth look into jazz improvisation. The student will further develop his soloing skills as well as his sight reading skills. Students will be required to participate in at least two public performances a year. The student will be evaluated on his performance of the music as well as progress in his weekly private instruction. (1 Credit/Full Year) Honors Advanced Music (Elective) Honors Advanced Music is the highest level of large ensemble offered. Students in this class are selected by teacher recommendation. In addition to a vigorous course load, most musicians are expected to participate in many performances throughout the school year. Through professional arrangements, students will be taught advanced jazz improvisation as well as challenging each student to his greatest potential. (1 Credit/Full year)
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
Freshman Chorus (Elective) The course is designed to equip freshman with the musical tools necessary to be an active participant in the Music Department at La Salle. Issues covered include the changing voice, reading music, and vocal production in addition to rehearsing and performing as a choral ensemble. Most repertoire is sung in two to four parts. Students are expected to memorize music when requested and are to attend all rehearsals and performances. (½ Credit/Full Year) Chorus (Elective, All Levels) In this course, students learn and perform a wide variety of music, including: folk, classical, jazz, and contemporary music. This course is designed to equip students with the necessary musical tools, including reading music and vocal production, in addition to rehearsing and performing as a choral ensemble to help students be an active participant in the music department at La Salle. Most of the repertoire is sung in three or four parts. Students are expected to memorize music when requested and are to attend all rehearsals and performances. (½ Credit/Full Year)
Advanced Chorus (Elective, All Levels)
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
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In this course, students learn and perform a wide variety of music,
be an active participant in the music department at La Salle. Most
including: folk, classical, jazz, barbershop, and contemporary
repertoire is sung in four or more parts. Students are expected to
music. This course is designed to equip students with the necessary
memorize music when requested and are to attend all rehearsals
musical tools, including reading music and vocal production, in
and performances. All students will arrange private instruction
addition to rehearsing and performing as a choral ensemble to
with La Salle’s Choral Director and attend all rehearsals with the full
help students be an active participant in the music department at
ensemble as concert season approaches. (½ Credit/Full Year)
La Salle. Students who have auditioned and have been accepted for The Belcrofters (the school’s advanced performing ensemble) are eligible for Advanced Chorus. Most repertoire is sung in four or more parts. Students are expected to memorize music when requested and are to attend all rehearsals and performances. (½ Credit, Full Year) Independent Chorus (Independent Study, Elective, All Levels) In this course, students learn and perform a wide variety of music, including folk, classical, jazz, and contemporary music. This course is designed to equip students with the necessary musical tools, including reading music and vocal production, in addition to rehearsing and performing as a choral ensemble to help students
MUSIC FACILITIES 10 |
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
The Music Department has over 6,000 square feet of dedicated space that includes a Band Room and Choral Room as well as a state-of-the-art MIDI Lab and Recording Studio along with eight instruction rooms.
Mr. Joseph Ciccimaro (Mr. “C”)
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Staff Member Since 1968 Fine Arts Department Chair, Assistant Director/Music Program, Producer/Fall Drama, Producer/Spring Musical, Music Instructor (Woodwinds and Strings)
MUSIC INSTRUCTION
B.A. La Salle University
La Salle College High School has three full-time music instructors with almost 100 years of combined service at the school. One is dedicated solely to the Choral Program and the other two are responsible for ten additional instructors who provide private lessons
ALL OF THE SCHOOL’S MUSIC INSTRUCTORS ARE WIDELYACCOMPLISHED MUSICIANS WHO REGULARLY PERFORM WITH PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLES AND AT VENUES THAT INCLUDE: THE PHILLY POPS, THE FOREST THEATER, ACADEMY OF MUSIC, AND THE WALNUT STREET THEATER.
(Instrumental Instruction) and conduct various performing ensembles. The music program continues to be led by the legendary Joseph Ciccimaro, a Hall of Fame musician and a 1957 graduate of the school, who brings over 50 years of experience as the Musical Contractor for the Forest Theater and Academy of Music and is one of the most respected professional musicians in the Philadelphia Area.
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La Salle College High School – Jason Music and Arts is an upright bassist, Fraticelli
American Composers Forum as
Sue Lerner regularly performs for
composer, multi-instrumentalist,
well as several commissions from
the “Broadway at the Academy”
band leader, and educator who has
organizations such as the Kimmel
series at the Kimmel Center and
been immersed in the Philadelphia
Center of Philadelphia, the Painted
The Walnut Street Theater and
and New York jazz and original
Bride Arts Center, the John F.
can often be seen performing with
music scenes for over 20 years.
Kennedy Center for the Performing
Philly Pops, Delaware Symphony,
Jason’s co-leads the acclaimed
Arts, and Black Mountain College.
and Pennsylvania Ballet. She has
10-piece electro-jazz outfit, the
Jason has performed, recorded
had the honor of sharing the
Fresh Cut Orchestra, and through
with, and toured internationally
that group Jason has received a
with artists Melody Gardot, Taylor
Pew grant to record one of his
McFerrin, Bernie Worrell, and G
Staff Member Since 2017
most extensive works entitled
Love. Today, he tours and performs
Staff Member Since 2011
Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart,
Music Instructor (Bass)
the Mothers’ Suite (Ropeadope,
with artists Matisyahu, Cyro
Music Instructor (Cello and Strings)
Smokey Robinson, Frank Sinatra, Jr.
B.Mus. New School University
2014). Jason has also received
Baptista, Aron Magnor of the Disco
and Aretha Franklin. She also holds
other grants including one from
Biscuits, and the Brian Marsella Trio.
B.A. University of Hartford Hartt School of Music; M.A. Manhattan School of Music
Maryanne Martin has performed in
Joe Nero has worked in every
the orchestra at the Walnut Street
major theater and showroom in
drummer/percussionist with the
Theatre, Forrest Theatre, and Valley
Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
Forge Music Fair. She worked as
He has toured worldwide with
pianist for The Pennsylvania Opera
such artists as Bette Midler, Burt
Company and was the conductor
Bacharach, Bernadette Peters, Andy
for summer theatre at La Salle
Williams, Anthony Newley, Bobby
University. Maryanne has also been
Rydell, and Frankie Avalon and has
Mr. Jason Fraticelli
the Philadelphia Chapter of the
Ms. Maryanne Martin
the piano instructor at Gwynedd Mercy Academy since 2003.
Mr. Joseph Nero
Ms. Susan Lerner
stage with opera legends Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli as well as Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett,
performed with jazz artists Tony Bennett, Eddie Gomez, Bill Watrous, Kurt Elling, Jimmy Bruno, and
Staff Member Since 2013
Staff Member Since 2002
Music Instructor (Piano)
Larry McKenna. He has recorded
Music Instructor (Drums and Percussion)
with various artists for Sony,
GD, Curtis Institute of Music
Records and currently performs as
Philly International, and Atlantic
faculty positions and Drexel University and Merion Mercy Academy.
Philly Pops Orchestra and Philly Pops Big Band and can be found in the orchestra pits of most major Philadelphia theaters.
Danny Muller is an accomplished saxophone performer who has played with the Philadelphia Boys Choir along a number of notable musicians including Joanne Brackeen, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Ralph Bowen, Jimmy Bruno, Greg Fields, Greg
Mr. Daniel Muller
New York. Danny was on faculty at
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
as the University of The Arts with a
saxophone from 2003 until 2009.
Bachelors of Music and is currently
He was the Philadelphia High
pursuing a Masters of Music
School Grammy Band Assistant
(M.M.) in Classical Performance
Director in 2001. Wayne Newton
from Temple University. He has
Dennis Rowland.
performed with accomplished
Mr. Christopher Mele
Shew, Gerald Veasley, and Grover Washington, Jr. He has
artists such as, Dick Oattes, Gary Smulyan, Zhavia Ward and David Bilger and performs regularly with
Staff Member Since 2001
accompanied singers Wayne
Staff Member Since 2018
groups such as the South Philly
Music Instructor (Woodwinds, Jazz Improvisation, and Jazz Theory)
Newton and Dennis Rowland and
Director/Pep Band, Director/ Lab Band, Music Instructor (Trombone)
Big Band, Jack Saint Clair Jazz
B.Mus. University of the Arts
Mr. Gregory Snyder
performed at venues throughout Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and
Some of Mark Norman’s highlights
music scene playing with some of
at Susquehanna University
the best musicians in Philadelphia
include singing in University Choir,
and New York. The Greg Snyder
Chamber Singers, and A Cappella
Trio is his own project and the
Group as well as performing in
group’s debut album, In The State Of
several theater productions. Today,
Nature, was released in 2011 and
Mark is very involved in local high
can be found on iTunes and Spotify
school theatrical productions.
to be released in Fall of 2019. Check www.gregsnydermusic.com
Staff Member Since 2011 Music Instructor (Guitar, Music Technology) B.A. Temple University
for performance info.
Orchestra, and Max Swan:Calcium.
B.Mus. University of the Arts
Greg Snyder is active in the local
and their second album is expected
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LaSalle College High School as well
the University of the Arts teaching
Osby, Arturo Sandoval, Bobby
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Christopher Mele is a graduate of
Mr. Mark Norman Staff Member Since 2004 Director/Choral Program, CoDirector/Fall Drama, Vocal Director and Assistant Director/Spring Musical, Moderator/A Capella Group, Director/Liturgy Band and Singers, Music Instructor (Vocals) B.Mus. Susquehanna University
He began as Vocal Director at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School and now is conductor of their fall musical. Mark has helped work on over thirty local productions including Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School,
Players Club of Swarthmore, and La Salle College High School. Mark is also highly involved with liturgical music where he sings and plays at several local Catholic Churches. Mark’s career highlights include singing at Carnegie Hall with his college as well as singing “Carmina Burana” with the Mendelssohn Club in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Gregory Teperman has performed
as the assistant concertmaster of
Bob Suttmann is a freelance
with the Opera Company of
both the Trenton Symphony and the
theater musician in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet
Bucks County Symphony.
and on Broadway in NYC, having
Company, and for numerous
He has performed with Pavarotti,
worked with over 90 shows since
musical productions at the Forrest
Carreras, Domingo, The Three
1989. He is also an active Union
and Walnut Street Theaters. He has
Tenors, as well as such popular
member, serving on the executive
also performed with the Chamber
artists such as Johnny Mathis,
board of the Associated Musicians
Music Society of Philadelphia, and
Frank Sinatra, Smokey Robinson,
of Greater New York Local 802 since
is currently a member of the AVA
Josh Groban, and Stevie Wonder.
and the Philly Pops Orchestras.
In addition, he has recorded with
He has also performed also as the
Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Justin
Staff Member Since 2001
concertmaster for Broadway at the
Timberlake, and John Legend.
Music Instructor (Violin and Strings)
Academy and the Walnut Street
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
Mr. Gregory Teperman
B.A. University of the Arts, Kishinev, Moldova (USSR); M.A., Moscow Conservatory
Mr. Jon Shaw
Mr. Bob Suttmann
2015. In his spare time, he enjoys writing music as well as playing chamber music.
Staff Member Since 2011 Music Instructor (Low Brass)
Theatre. In 1984-85 Gregory served
Jon Shaw has developed a reputation
Joe Vettori has played two tours
as a diverse performer in both
with Burt Bacharach and has
Philadelphia as well as on the New
appeared in two CBS television
York scene. An avid educator, he
specials in Washington, DC – one
splits his time between performing
welcoming home troops from
and teaching. In addition to La Salle,
Dessert Storm and President
Jon is a faculty Member at Temple
Clinton’s Inaugural Special starring
University, the University of the Arts,
Barbra Streisand. He spent two
and Camden County College. Jon can
years in the house orchestra at
be heard recorded or performing
Mr. Joseph Vettori
with/at: The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra,
the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, NJ along with the house orchestras
Staff Member Since 2018
Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, The
Staff Member Since 1983
of Caesars, Sands, and Claridge
Music Instructor (Trumpet)
Philly Pops, Aretha Franklin, The
Director/Music Program,
Casinos in Atlantic City, playing with
B.A. University of the Arts
Temptations, The Four Tops and
Director/Competition Band, Music Instructor (Woodwinds) B.Mus. University of the Arts
the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean
Wynton Marsalis. He has played with numerous touring Broadway shows at The Academy of Music as well as the Walnut Street Theatre.
Martin, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga,
Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, Linda Rondstadt, and Harry Connick, Jr. He has also performed with The Philly Pops and The Opera Company of Philadelphia. Joe was a member of the house orchestra at the Walnut Street Theater and is currently playing at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia for Broadway national tours.
“AT LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, MUSICAL STUDIES ARE PART OF A WELLROUNDED CURRICULUM; RATHER THAN JUST ANOTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY. THROUGHOUT MY TIME AT BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC, I HAVE CONSISTENTLY FOUND MYSELF MORE PREPARED FOR COLLEGIATE MUSIC STUDIES THAN MY FELLOW CLASSMATES – BOTH AS A MUSICIAN AND AS A PERSON. THE LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM WILL PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR MUSICAL GOALS ARE.” Miles Burger ‘16 Berklee College of Music
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
BAND The Music Department at La Salle College High School is comprised of many bands. The Honors Advanced Band, Advanced Band, Freshman Band, Intermediate Band, Guitar Ensemble, and String Ensemble are all rostered classes, who practice during a scheduled period along with private lessons for each instrument. In addition to music classes, there are other bands in which students can participate. Practices for these bands are held during the day or once or twice a week after school. The Music Department extends all its opportunities to anyone who wishes to roster for a band or simply take music lessons.
Currently, over 250 instrumentalists participate in fifteen performing ensembles:
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Advanced Band Advanced Honors Band Brass Ensemble Concert Band Competition Band Freshman Band Guitar Ensemble Lab Band Music Business and Technology Pep Band Pit Orchestra Saxophone Ensemble String Orchestra
ADVANCED HONORS BAND is the primary performing ensemble of the Music Department. This group is composed of the most advanced musicians whose abilities are seen in improvisation, interpretation of the songs, and sight reading. This band gives many grade school and high school concerts throughout the year, in addition to playing at almost all school functions, and those of some other schools and organizations. Charts performed range from jazz standards, big band, rock, and pop. Certain members of this band are selected to play in the Lab Band or Competition Band, whose focus is to develop a few charts to be judged at competitions
Trombone Ensemble Trumpet Ensemble
against other high school jazz bands.
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
BRASS ENSEMBLE, GUITAR ENSEMBLE, SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE, STRING ORCHESTRA, TROMBONE ENSEMBLE, AND TRUMPET ENSEMBLE each show-case individual sections. The Brass Ensemble and String Orchestra play music at many of the school liturgies and can be found performing at other community liturgies. The Saxophone Ensemble plays at smaller performances, showing the abilities of its musicians. CONCERT BAND performs two classical arrangements at the main concerts each year – Christmas and spring. This band differs from the other bands because of the different wind instruments used and also because of the nature of the music. The band practices a few weeks before the concerts and features freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.the Competition Band and competes in many of the same jazz festivals.
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COMPETITION BAND AND LAB BAND are the two ensembles that are extra-curricular and each rehearse two days a week
LA SALLE’S COMPETITION BAND AND LAB BAND CONSISTENTLY RECEIVE SUPERIOR RATINGS AT LOCAL AND REGIONAL JAZZ COMPETITIONS. LA SALLE WAS AWARDED FIRST PLACE AT THE CAVALCADE OF BANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2013, 2015, 2016, AND 2017. THE CAVALCADE OF BANDS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION COMPOSED OF OVER ONE HUNDRED MEMBER SCHOOLS IN THE TRI-STATE AREA WHO COME TOGETHER TO COMPETE ON THE INTERSCHOLASTIC LEVEL. OVER TWENTY JAZZ BAND COMPETITIONS ARE HELD DURING THE COURSE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND THE COMPETITION AND LAB BANDS EACH RECEIVED SUPERIOR RATINGS AT ALL FIVE OF THE JAZZ COMPETITIONS IN WHICH THEY PARTICIPATED IN 2019 AND THE LAB BAND WON THE 2019 CAVALCADE OF BANDS CHAMPIONSHIP.
after school. Entrance to these ensembles is by audition only. The Competition Band is composed of the very best musicians and is geared to enter area jazz festivals and competitions in the spring. The Lab Band is designed to prepare musicians for the Competition Band and competes in many of the same jazz festivals.
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
FRESHMAN BAND AND ADVANCED BAND are the other bands
PIT ORCHESTRA is comprised entirely of students at La Salle
at the school. Freshman Band is made up of all freshmen, allowing
College High School as no alumni or professional musicians are
them to gain experience by themselves before advancing.
hired or engaged in the school’s musical theater production. The
The Advanced Band does not perform outside the school, but
students are selected by Music Department staff members based
plays charts like the Honors Band. This band is composed of
on their ability to perform challenging pieces and provide all of the
sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
necessary instrumentation for the show. Rehearsals, which are held both before and after school, begin in October for a musical
PEP BAND utilizes the entire Music Department, from freshmen
production that is performed in the spring. Many of La Salle’s
to seniors. The Pep Band plays at all football games during the
musicians are also used in Pit Orchestras at other local high schools.
year and performs numbers from the Star Spangled Banner and the Alma Mater to Louie, Louie. The Pep Band can be heard from start to finish behind the Explorers. Members also participate in various parades.
“MUSIC IS BOTH ACCLAIMED AND CELEBRATED AT LA SALLE! WITH MANY CLASSES BUILT INTO THE SCHOOL DAY, THERE ARE A GREAT DEAL OF OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE ARTS. THE TALENTED FACULTY IS COMPRISED OF WORKING MUSICIANS THAT CONTINUALLY INSPIRE THEIR STUDENTS TO PERFORM AT A HIGHER LEVEL. SEVERAL BANDS AND ENSEMBLES PERFORM FOR THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AS WELL AS COMPETE IN MULTI-STATE AND REGIONAL COMPETITIONS. WHEN ONE IS A MEMBER OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT, THERE IS A STRONG SENSE OF COMRADERY AND PRIDE DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FROM THE ENTIRE LA SALLE COMMUNITY.” Scott Blanke ‘17 University of the Arts
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
THEATER In 2018, La Salle celebrated 50 years of musical theater at the school. With over one hundred La Salle students along with girls from surrounding high schools, La Salle’s theater program is recognized as one of the top programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Producing two shows per year, the theater program
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offers students the opportunity to become involved in and learn
attends the event, Broadway Wishes, which raises over $30,000
every aspect of the theater from performance; playing as a member
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that provides
of the pit orchestra; to every aspect of designing and running a
hope, joy, and support to children fighting life-threatening illnesses,
show. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the student
allowing them to dream bigger than their hospital rooms would
gets the responsibility of performing in or managing a full-scale
normally allow.
production. Recent productions include: Chicago (2019), The Drowsy Chaperone (2018), The Producers (2017), Crazy For You (2016), Spamalot (2015), and 42nd Street (2014). Each spring, the combined talents of over nearly seventy students from La Salle College High School, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and Gwynedd Mercy Academy perform numbers from approximately fifteen different Broadway Musicals during a single evening performance. A capacity crowd of nearly 800 people
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La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
CHORUS La Salle’s expanding choral program has four very active performing groups: The Belcrofters (advanced performing ensemble), Upperclassmen Chorus, Freshman Chorus, and an A Cappella Group. In addition to annual concerts at Christmas and in the spring, these groups perform at many functions in and around La Salle. Smaller ensembles enhance our school liturgies by providing music. Over 80 students are actively engaged in one or more of the school’s choral programs.
La Salle College High School – Music and Arts
NOTABLE ALUMNI THEATER Christopher DiLella ‘06
Ron Kurowski ‘71
Hugh Panaro ‘82
Marty Silvestri ‘67
CNBC
A Chorus Line (Broadway and West End)
The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway), Les Miserables (Broadway), Show Boat (Broadway and West End)
Composer and Arranger Musical Director of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Broadway)
Frank DiLella ‘02
Christopher Matthews ‘63
Fran Prisco ’90
Christopher Smith ‘88
Emmy Award-Winning Television Host of “On Stage”
Emmy Award-Winning Television Host of “Hardball”
Composer, Lyricist, and Author
NY1 News
NBC and MSNBC
Forever Plaid (National Tour), Guys and Dolls (Fulton Opera House), Annie (Walnut Street Theatre)
David Cianci ’86
Master Sgt. Joseph Haughton ’98
Steve Lyon ’02
William McLaughlin ‘61
The Philly Pops (Trombonist)
The Singing Sergeants/U.S. Air Force Band
William dePasquale ‘51
Felix Manzi ‘07
Professional Woodwind (Multiple) Artist and Member of Broadway Orchestras (West Side Story, The Addams Family, Something Rotten, Little Miss Sunshine, Heathers the Musical, and The Book of Mormon)
Composer, Conductor (Kansas City Symphony and San Francisco Chamber Orchestra), Music Educator, and Peabody Award-winning public radio host of Exploring Music and Saint Paul Sunday
Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, World-Class Violinist
Composer and Professional Percussionist (Glenn Miller Orchestra)
Producer of Amazing Grace (Broadway)
MUSIC
Performed and Recorded with Placido Domingo, Kristin Chenoweth, Rebecca Luker, and Kelli O’Hara
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WHERE WORDS FAIL, MUSIC SPEAKS. Hans Christian Andersen 1805-1875
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 215 402 4800 phone 215 233 0284 fax www.lschs.org