Arts

Music

Food for the Soul

Music
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 working together.

Our Music Program

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.

List of 5 items.

  • 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
    • AP 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. Franklin Donn.

Music Faculty

List of 8 members.

  • Photo of Jennifer Campbell

    Jennifer Campbell 

    LS Band Director
  • Photo of Franklin Donn

    Franklin Donn 

    Director, Inst. Ensembles; Director, Applied Music Lessons; US Music Club; Tri-M Advisor
  • Photo of Jeffrey Gaylord

    Jeffrey Gaylord 

    MS Band Director
  • Photo of Mary Gaylord

    Mary Gaylord 

    LS Music Teacher (K-5); Renaissance Musical Director
  • Photo of Virginia Hildebrand

    Virginia Hildebrand 

    Director, LS and MS String Ensembles
  • Photo of Kirk McAuliffe

    Kirk McAuliffe 

    MS Music
  • Photo of Rob Redei

    Rob Redei 

    Chair, US Arts, US Music; Tri-M Advisor; Music Club Advisor
  • Photo of Kaitlyn Peacock

    Kaitlyn Peacock 

    LS Drama Director; LS Music Teacher (PS-PK)

Lower School

Upper School