VMA Music Program

ANNOUNCING FUN AND
EXCITING MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES
AT VILLA MARIA ACADEMY!

Please join us - there is something for everyone!

Villa Maria Academy is proud of its tradition of excellence in Music.

Mrs. Joyce Prichard, Chair
Dr. Anthony Mosakowski

Here are some ways that you can be part of our award-winning Department located in the Marian Center: PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION Each week, there are almost two hundred music lessons taught by 12 music specialists in the areas of voice, guitar, piano, and orchestral instruments within the school day. Lessons are scheduled during study or lunch periods. Beginners are welcome! BEGIN AN INSTRUMENT! Students at Villa Maria are highly successful in beginning a new instrument and then becoming a member of our highly acclaimed Orchestra. If you’ve ever wanted to play an instrument but never had the opportunity, you will find it at Villa Maria! Stringed and brass instruments are loaned at no charge. Students with experience on the piano are especially encouraged to begin a new instrument. CONCERT CHORUS All students are welcome to be part of this exciting ensemble where students come together to prepare for outstanding vocal performances in the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Concert Chorus meets after school every Wednesday afternoon, 3;00 - 4:45. MADRIGAL SINGERS A select group of 16 singers, students are eligible to audition for this exceptional ensemble after a full year of membership in Chorus. The Madrigal Singers perform at school and outside functions as well as the Christmas and Spring Concerts. Rehearsals are after school on Tuesday afternoon, 3:00 - 4:45. ORCHESTRA If you play an instrument, you are eligible to be in our fine Orchestra. We accept members at all levels of playing. To complete sections, some boys from neighboring Malvern and Devon Preparatory schools are included in this ensemble. The Orchestra performs at the Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction, Christmas concert, and Spring Concert. Rehearsals are after school on Thursday afternoons, 3:00 - 4:45.	Villa Maria's Director of Music - Joyce Prichard conducts the Archdiocese of Philadelphia All-Catholic Orchestra as part of the National Catholic Educators Association Convention in 2005. The "Concert of Excellence" was held at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center.
STRING ENSEMBLE String players who are members of the Orchestra may be selected to play in this small ensemble focusing on music written especially for strings. The String Ensemble plays at outside functions, school functions, and at the Christmas and Spring Concerts. They meet before school once per week.
Members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY Tri-M International Music Honor Society recognizes secondary music students for their musical ability, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service. Villa Maria’s chapter has won numerous international awards. Students are selected in their junior or senior year for membership. Members are required to attend monthly Friday meetings and are expected to assist with “behind the scenes” work and fun of the Music Department. MUSICAL THEATER Girls from Villa Maria take part in music theater opportunities at neighboring Malvern Preparatory School and Devon Preparatory School. Both schools hold open auditions for a drama production in the Fall and a musical in the Spring. They rely heavily on participation by Villa Maria for female roles. Practice schedules vary by school.	HANDBELL CHOIR Membership in the Handbell Choir is open to a limited number of students. Experience in reading piano music is very helpful for those wishing to join. Rehearsals are after school on Mondays, 3:00-4:45. ALL-CATHOLIC ENSEMBLES Students may audition for selection into the All-Catholic Band, Chorus and Orchestra sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Villa Maria always has a great representation in these groups! In 2007, 10 students are members of the All-Catholic Band, 8 students are members of the All-Catholic Chorus, and 21 students are members of the All-Catholic MUSIC MINISTRY To enhance worship, members of the music department may join this service organization which prepares and leads music for school liturgies. Music Ministry meets on an as-needed basis.. Each ensemble performs as part of a festival weekend at another high school. PMEA DISTRICT, REGIONAL, ALL-STATE ENSEMBLES Membership of Villa Maria’s ensemble directors in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association enables students to audition for the Pennsylvania District 12 Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Students may move on to region and state events depending on their placement at the district level. Members of the ensembles perform at a festival weekend concert at a neighboring high school. Villa Maria is always well represented at District, Region, and State events. This is an excellent opportunity for truly dedicated students to have musical experiences with other students of high musical caliber.
FIELD TRIPS Students are given opportunities to enrich their musical experience through field trips. Workshops given by Philadelphia Orchestra members at the Kimmel Center and Open Rehearsals by the Philadelphia Orchestra are examples of field trip opportunities given to Villa Maria musicians.