Music at Fugett

By: Olivia Podhiny

There are a lot of opportunities for students to embrace music here at Fugett. There are many clubs, groups, and ensembles in addition to the music classes every student is required to take. Music lovers have lots of chances to join various clubs where they can play, listen to, and enjoy music at its fullest.

Jazz Band is a group of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, drum set, and bass players. All grades are eligible for the Jazz Band, and the auditions occur in November. Students participating in the Jazz Band receive about 10 pieces. The percussion section typically consists of two instrumentalists who split the pieces between them. The rehearsals happen every day during homeroom, and students can play for about 30 minutes. The band room becomes the student's homeroom, where his or her attendance is taken, but each student is still able to return to his or her original homeroom during CARE period. Most of their performances happen around March through May, from Elementary School tours to intense judging events.

Select Strings is a group of string players (violin, viola, cello, or bass) from all grades in all three of the middle schools that are part of WCASD. Select Strings are recommended for instrumentalists with extreme passion and talent who are devoted to their instrument. Anyone who wants to be in Select Strings needs to audition. An audition typically consists of two excerpts and a scale. The type of audition required to participate varies. Auditions happen in the fall and in the winter. If you are interested in joining Select Strings, you should talk to Mr. Celfo in room 231

Every year, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association selects a group of accomplished string players, violin, viola, cello, and bass, from around the entire district. 12 Students at Fugett are eligible for grades 5\6 and grades 7\8 stringfest. Students participating in this event are given several pieces to practice at home. The event takes up a whole school day, starting early in the morning. Students rehearse all day and then perform in the evening.

Bandfest is an event for advanced musicians participating in the band course. The group of students usually consists of the person that sits in the first chair for each instrument. There are three groups of students, one for each grade. They participate in one performance in January, before which they spend the entire CARE period rehearsing. There are Bandfest rehearsals during CARE period and other pull-out periods.

Drama Club is a group of students who get together to create and perform a musical. This club is ideal for most vocalists, actors, and other artists who enjoy musical theatre. Auditions for roles in the cast typically occur in mid-December. If you are a student who enjoys the theatre environment but prefers not to be on stage or was not selected for the cast, there are many different crews that assist with the production of the musical. These crews include art crew, light crew, sound crew, makeup crew, and stage crew. Drama club is available to students in all grades through Fugett.