Arts

Music

Listening and Creating for the Soul

Music education at Severn reaches beyond the bounds of performance and theory into the soul of what makes listening to and creating music such a meaningful experience. Our robust program has something for every ability and interest level, including schoolwide activities that bring our students together through song. More than learning about music, our students develop self-confidence, an understanding of different cultures, and an appreciation for the value of working together.
Our programs provide students with a wide range of opportunities to demonstrate their expanding musical interests and abilities. Our curriculum also promotes the understanding and appreciation of many different types of music by both performers and listeners.

Lower School Music

In the Lower School, rhythm, melody, dynamics, timbre, form, and style are all part of the curriculum. Students are exposed to elementary recognition of notes and rhythmic patterns. Combined with an assortment of vocal and instrumental music from around the world, musical knowledge is developed through listening, performing, and the reading and writing of music through singing, dancing, playing instruments, speech, movement, games, and drama. 
  • General Music (all grades)
  • Band and String Ensemble

Middle School Music

The Middle School music curriculum emphasizes the belief that the study of music develops the intellect, the personality, and the emotions. A genuine appreciation for music must be supported by an understanding of the active making of music (singing, playing, composing), by the skill of listening, and by a knowledge of a variety of musical forms and historical periods.
  • General Music (6,7,& 8)
  • Band 
  • Chorus

Upper School Music

The Upper School music curriculum allows students the chance to further explore the world of music from diverse historical, theoretical and performance perspectives. The department also offers students opportunities to take private instrumental and voice lessons and to join in various musical choruses and ensembles. Advanced topics in the history and appreciation of music, music theory, and the use and influence of technology help students to enhance their understanding of the art.
  • Instrumental Ensemble
  • Chamber Music Ensemble
  • Concert Choir
  • Vocal Ensemble
  • Fundamentals of Music Theory
  • Jam Band
  • Music Technology (I & II)
  • Recording Studio

Jay F. Meisenberg Recording Studio

Thanks to the generous support of our community, the Jay F. Meisenberg recording studio provides Severn students a creative space to explore their passions in music performance and production. With the help of Mr. Frank Donn, Upper School Director of Instrumental Ensembles and Music Technology teacher, students learn how to perform, record, edit and produce their own music in a state-of-the-art recording studio.

Applied Music Program

Students interested in studying a wind, brass, string, or percussion instrument, or voice may sign up for one lesson per week for the duration of the academic year for an additional fee. Both beginners and experienced musicians are welcome! Lessons are offered on campus Monday through Friday, from 2:45 – 6:00 p.m. Upper School students may also arrange for lessons during a free period.

Questions? Contact program administrator Mr. Frank Donn.

Meet our Teachers

List of 7 members.

  • Mr. Rob Redei 

    Chair, US Arts Department, US Music Teacher
    University of South Florida - Master of Music
    University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Arts

  • Ms. Amy Benfield 

    Middle School Music Teacher; 8th Grade Performing Arts Musical Director; 6th Grade Advisor
    (410) 647-7701 x 2535
    Bowie State University - B.A.

  • Mr. Franklin Donn 

    Director, Inst. Ensembles; US & LS Music; Director, Applied Music Lessons; US Multi-Cultural Club
    410.647.7701 x2431
    Towson University - M.A.
    State University of New York at Fredonia - B.A.

  • Mr. Jeffrey Gaylord 

    Middle School Band Director
    Catholic University of America - Master's of Music
    University of Illinois - B.Music

  • Ms. Mary Gaylord 

    Lower School Kindergarten through Grade 5 Music Teacher; Lower School Renaissance Musical Director
    410.647.7701 x2022
    University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire - B.A.

  • Mrs. Virginia Hildebrand 

    Director, Lower and Middle School String Ensembles

  • Ms. Chelsea Padro 

    LS Renaissance Drama Director; Preschool & Prekindergarten Music Teacher;Grade 1 Teaching Assistant
    410.647.7701 ext. 2036
    The Catholic University of America - M.A.
    Nazareth College - B.A.

Lower School

Preschool-Grade 5
Chesapeake Campus
1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Arnold, MD 21012

Middle/Upper School

Grade 6-12
Teel Campus
Severna Park, MD 21146