The New York State Education Department has several mandates in place with regard to music education. They are:
- All students in grades 1-6 must receive a certain amount of music throughout the school year
- Over grades 7 and 8, all students must be able to complete 1/2 unit of study in music
- Over grades 9 and 12, all students must be able to complete 1 unit of credit in the arts in order to complete the requirement for a Regents Diploma (this unit can be in music, visual arts, dance, or theatre)
Please note that our current choral and instrumental programs are NOT mandated.
MUSICAL OFFERINGS IN THE HIGHLAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Elementary
General Music Class - Every student receives classroom music taught by a certified music teacher.
Band - Students have the option to participate in the band program in grades 4 & 5. They also receive group lessons. This is all taught by a certified music teacher.
Chorus - Students have the option to participate in the choral program in grades 4 & 5. This is taught by a certified music teacher.
Middle School
General Music Class - General classroom music, taught by a certified music teacher, is provided for grade 6 and as an option to complete the 7th/8th grade 1/2 unit of study requirement.
Band - Students have the option to continue to participate in the band program. There is a 6th grade band and a 7th/8th grade band. Students also receive group lessons (this is a pull-out from another class). This is all taught by a certified music teacher, and is an option for the 7th/8th grade 1/2 unit of student requirement.
Chorus - Students have the option to participate in the choral program. There is a 6th grade chorus and a 7th/8th grade chorus. This is all taught by a certified music teacher, and is an option for the 7th/8th grade 1/2 unit of study requirement.
High School
General Music Class - No offerings at this time.
Band - Students have the option to continue instrumental studies by participating in the 9-12 grade band program. They also receive group lessons (this is a pull-out from another class). This is all taught by a certified music teacher, and is an option for the required unit of credit in the arts for a regents diploma.
Chorus - Students have the option to participate in the 9-12 grade choral program. They also receive group lessons (this is a pull-out from another class). This is all taught by a certified music teacher, and is an option for the required unit of credit in the arts for a regents diploma.