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Eastchester elementary music program showcases growth after district adds teacher
Summary
Principals and music teachers from Eastchester’s Anne Hutchinson and Greenvale elementary schools presented a program of student performances and described recent curriculum updates and a new teacher hire that district leaders said has expanded band, orchestra and chorus opportunities.
Principals and elementary music staff from the Eastchester Union Free School District on Wednesday showcased student performances and described curriculum changes that school leaders said have expanded music instruction at Anne Hutchinson and Greenvale elementary schools.
The presentation to the Board of Education included second‑grade singing, fifth‑grade band, elementary orchestra ensembles and a Greenville chorus performance. Building administrators and music teachers said the district added an additional elementary music teacher last year, a move they credited with supporting program growth.
“By fifth grade, they’re moving on to the ukulele, which is a new addition to both of our programs,” a music teacher said, summarizing instrument progressions that begin with recorders in third grade and continue through band, chorus and orchestra in fourth and fifth grades.
Why it matters: Administrators said a unified curriculum (the Gameplan curriculum) and the additional hire have supported smaller group instruction, increased participation and a smoother transition to middle‑school music programs.
Program details and staffing noted in the presentation
• Curriculum and progression: Administrators said the district adopted a unified elementary music curriculum to align instruction across schools and better prepare students for middle‑ and high‑school ensembles. Third graders learn the recorder; fifth graders are offered ukulele; orchestra, band and chorus are available in fourth and fifth grade.
• Staffing and class size: Orchestra teacher Mackenzie Hoffman said the orchestra position was added this year and that small group sizes dropped from seven to 10 students per group to roughly four to six, allowing more specialized instruction.
• Teachers and contributors: The presentation thanked music staff by name and credited administrators and the board for adding a teacher to the elementary music department. Teachers who presented or were acknowledged included Nick Natali, Ali Linen, Mackenzie Hoffman and Rebecca Mancuso; band teacher Mr. Natale and chorus teacher Miss Lennon led student ensembles at the meeting.
• Performances: The audience heard second‑grade songs themed on friendship, a fifth‑grade band piece (“Caribbean Breeze” by Victor Lopez), a small orchestra ensemble and a two‑part harmony chorus performance that included a Japanese folk song, “Akatombo.”
The board acknowledged the staff and technicians who supported the performance and thanked parents for allowing students to participate. The presentation was informational; there was no vote or action tied to the showcase.
