Newhall School District orchestra and choral music students will perform in their 2012 Winter Concerts on Tuesday, Dec. 18, for Oak Hills and Peachland Schools (5:30 p.m.) and Pico Canyon and Newhall Schools (7:30 p.m.). On Wednesday, Dec. 19, Valencia Valley, Wiley Canyon, and McGrath Schools will perform at 5:30 p.m. and Meadows, Old Orchard, and Stevenson Ranch students perform at 7:30 p.m. All concerts will be held at Pico Canyon Elementary School. A $3 donation in support of the district’s music program is requested at the door.

The Newhall School District has maintained an instrumental music program for over 35 years, a unique accomplishment in an era when budget cuts have decimated arts programming at the elementary level. Over 800 students participate in the instrumental program and another 800+ students are members of the school choruses.

“Music accesses the brain in a unique way which is most beneficial during elementary years. Performance opportunities also allow students to work with others towards a common goal and get used to being in front of an audience,” said Peggi Stoffel, Orchestra Teacher for the Newhall School District.

The Newhall School District Winter Concerts will feature a variety of music from different cultures and time periods in accordance with California State Board Of Education Music Content standards. Not only does this expose students to different musical styles, but it provides a varied and interesting program for the audience.

“We are proud of the fact that we have maintained this valuable program through the worst years of education funding in the history of California,” stated NSD governing board president Phil Ellis. “We value the arts in our district and the Winter Concerts are a great way to showcase student talent for all to see.”

This music program serves all 10 elementary schools in the district. Kindergarten through second grade students receive classroom music instruction. Third graders receive instruction on recorders as well as classroom music instruction. Fourth through sixth grade students have the option of joining the chorus and/or learning to play an instrument.

Music Makers PTA, an organization that supports the Newhall School District Music program, assists with the annual concert production. The Music Makers provide salary support for music teachers, volunteers at all concerts and events, funds for instrument repair and acquisition, as well as care for over 500 instruments which are district owned and loaned to students each year. This program raised a total of $55,000 last year and donated it to the district.

For additional information Contact: Nancy Copley, assistant superintendent, or visit the website at www.nsdmusicmakers.com.