Music

General Music – New Bedford Public Schools offers engaging elementary music instruction during the school day for students in grades PK–5.  Elementary general music instruction emphasizes active music-making through singing, movement, listening, and play. Students explore the artistic processes of creating, performing, responding, and connecting while developing foundational skills in rhythm, pitch, collaboration, and expressive communication. Elementary music fosters creativity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to music.

Band / Orchestra – New Bedford Public Schools offers band and orchestra instruction beginning in grades 4 and 5. Aligned with the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Frameworks for Music Novice Solo and Ensemble standards, students develop foundational instrumental skills through ensemble-based learning. Instruction emphasizes proper technique, music literacy, rehearsal habits, and expressive performance while engaging students in the artistic processes of creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Through regular rehearsals and performance opportunities, students build musicianship, collaboration, discipline, and confidence as emerging instrumentalists.

Performing Music – In grades 6-8, students are eligible for performing music ensembles such as Concert Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and World Music. In Concert Band, students learn and perform on traditional band instruments such as Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. In Orchestra, students learn and perform on traditional orchestral string instruments such as, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass. In Chorus students learn and perform using their voices in a large ensemble setting. In World Music students learn instruments and perform on instruments from other cultures such as Steel Drums, djembes, etc.

General Music – New Bedford Public Schools offers engaging general music instruction for students in grades 6–8. Aligned with the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Frameworks for Music, middle school general music emphasizes the artistic processes of creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Students develop music literacy, critical listening skills, and creative expression through composition, improvisation, technology-based music making, and performance. A world music component exposes students to diverse musical traditions, instruments, and cultural contexts from around the globe, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation. Through active and inclusive music experiences, students build confidence, collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of music as a global and expressive art form.

Band – The New Bedford Public Schools high school band program provides students with rigorous and engaging instrumental music instruction through a sequence of ensemble-based courses. Students develop advanced musicianship, technical proficiency, and ensemble skills through participation in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Beginning Percussion. Instruction emphasizes music literacy, expressive performance, rehearsal technique, and collaboration while offering regular performance opportunities. Through participation in band, students build discipline, leadership, and confidence as performers, preparing them for continued musical involvement in college, community ensembles, and beyond.

Marching Bands – The New Bedford Public Schools Marching Band and Winter Percussion/Winds programs provide students with a dynamic, performance-based musical experience outside the regular school day. Participants rehearse and perform in parades, football games, competitions, and special events, developing musicianship, precision, and teamwork in a high-energy ensemble setting. Participation in Marching Band and/or Winter Winds fulfills the high school physical education graduation requirement while building stamina, coordination, and leadership skills. This program offers students the opportunity to combine musical excellence with physical activity, creativity, and school spirit.

Orchestra – The New Bedford Public Schools high school orchestral strings program provides students with rigorous and engaging instrumental music instruction through a sequence of ensemble-based courses. Students develop advanced musicianship, technical proficiency, and ensemble skills through participation in Beginning Orchestral Strings and String Ensemble. Instruction emphasizes music literacy, expressive performance, rehearsal technique, and collaboration while offering regular performance opportunities. Through participation in orchestral strings, students build discipline, leadership, and confidence as performers, preparing them for continued musical involvement in college, community ensembles, and beyond.

Chorus – The New Bedford Public Schools high school chorus program provides students with rigorous and engaging vocal music instruction through a sequence of ensemble-based courses. Students develop advanced musicianship, vocal technique, and ensemble skills through participation in SSA Show Choir/Treble Chorus and SATB Show Choir/Concert Chorale. Instruction emphasizes music literacy, expressive performance, rehearsal technique, and collaboration while offering regular performance opportunities. Through participation in chorus, students build discipline, leadership, and confidence as vocalists, preparing them for continued musical involvement in college, community ensembles, and beyond. Participation in either show choir course fulfills the high school physical education requirement.

General Music – NBHS General Music courses include Intro to Piano, Intermediate Piano, Advanced Piano, Intro to Music Technology, Advanced Music Technology, Intro to Rock Band, Jazz Workshop, Music Composition/Songwriting, Pre-AP Music Theory, and AP Music Theory. Students build creativity, collaboration, and leadership as they take on increasing responsibility as performers, composers, and producers.

Band Festival

Strings Festival

Choral Festival

Elementary Music Staff

General Music / Chorus

Nicholas Hayden – Carney ES
Susan Kulju – Brooks ES, Hathaway ES, Rodman ES
Rebekah McLaughlin – Jacobs ES
Amy McMahon – Congdon ES, DeValles ES
Reis Medeiros – Gomes ES

Jessica Pereira – Lincoln ES
Hannah Reis – Ashley ES, Campbell ES, Swift ES
Laura Schulz – Hayden-McFadden ES
Britney Soares – Pulaski ES
Mahria Trepes – Pacheco ES, Taylor ES, Winslow ES

Elementary Instrumental Staff

Edward DeArruda –  Congdon ES, DeValles ES, Hathway ES, Rodman ES 

Susan Lindsay – Brooks ES, Carney ES, Gomes ES

Jennifer Murphy – Jacobs ES, Pacheco ES, Taylor ES, Winslow ES

Colin Kurtz – Ashley ES, Campbell ES, Lincoln ES

Emily Dasneves – Pulaski ES, Swift ES

Julia Thompson – Hayden-McFadden ES, NBHS

Middle School Music Staff

Samuel Bianco – Chorus

Stefanie LaFontaine – Chorus

Christina Rausch – General Music

Lee Dias – General Music / World Music

Thomas Aungst – Band

Dan Peirce – Band

Nicole Sousa – Band

Dylan Toombs – Band

Catherine Gagnon – Orchestra

Caroline Ollivierre – Orchestra

High School Music Staff

Lynne-Marie Dandeneau – Chorus

Timothy Mason – Jazz Band / Music Technology

Brandon Carrita – Music Technology / Piano / Band

Thomas O’Leary – Rock Band / General Music / Piano

Matthew Pacheco – Band

Thomas Aungst – Band

Dylan Toombs – Band

Julia Thompson – Band

Catherine Gagnon – Orchestra

Caroline Ollivierre – Orchestra