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Merrick School District

Beginnings of a Bright Future

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Music Department

Merrick Music Department Mission Statement

Music is a fundamental building-block in the development of our children.  Our social and emotional foundations are formed by our ability to experience, understand and communicate to others in the world around us.  As music is a universal language, it is also part of your child’s whole educational experience through which all components can be uniquely and completely pieced together.  

In aligning with our district’s mission of providing students with opportunities to become lifelong learners, problem solvers and responsible citizens, we feel that music should reach each child – an individual experience for a collaborative benefit.  Our Music Department provides students with opportunities to be creative, expressive, collaborative, independent and empathetic all while developing their technical skills in the musical arts.  Meeting these social, emotional and humanistic goals is paramount in ensuring the integrity of our students’ development and their path to becoming well-rounded members of society.  

  • A student’s participation in NYSSMA can be a challenging and worthwhile experience which can develop many musical skills. It is important to note that NYSSMA participation is voluntary and may not be for everyone. Participants will be recommended at the discretion of your child’s music teacher or if your child is enrolled in private instruction, their private teacher. 

    Preparing for the NYSSMA process requires a great deal of time, practice, effort, and dedication from both parents and students.  A strong commitment and follow-through are needed throughout the entire process, especially while dedicating the practice time it takes to prepare for the festival. 

    Our schools’ group rotation lessons can offer only limited time to assist with a student’s NYSSMA preparation.  Although not required, students who have been the most successful in the past have obtained private lesson instruction in preparing for the adjudication process.

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