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Lancaster music department outlines century-long legacy, future plans and student achievements
Summary
The Lancaster Central School District music department presented a State of the Department address highlighting historic roots, K–12 program breadth, awards including a Grammy Foundation Signature School mention, booster fundraising, and plans to expand facilities and curriculum equity.
Dan DeAngelis, chairman of the Lancaster music department, told the Board of Education the district’s music program has been part of the community since the late 19th century and is now a comprehensive, award-winning K–12 effort. DeAngelis traced early mentions of music in district commencement programs, credited founding figures and past department chairs, and said music is “in our DNA” in Lancaster.
DeAngelis described classroom and ensemble offerings across the district’s elementary, middle and high schools, naming specific programs and teachers at Como Park, Court Street, Hillview and William Street and citing middle-school and high-school ensembles, AP and introductory music classes, and the Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts as a school‑within‑a‑school that helps shape student identity.
The presentation noted recent honors and achievements: district students are regularly selected for ECMEA all‑county and state ensembles, the district was named a Grammy Foundation Signature School (date referenced in presentation but year not specified in the transcript), and the high school marching band has won state championships. DeAngelis cited booster fundraising that raised over $90,000 to support a marching band trip to Hawaii.
DeAngelis highlighted the program’s community partnerships and alumni success, naming several alumni who have gone on to professional roles in music and performance. He closed by outlining forward-looking goals for the next decade: maintaining an inclusive culture, sustained administrative support, recruitment and retention of teachers, refining rehearsal and performance spaces, and aligning curriculum equity with district goals.
The presentation concluded with a live performance by the William Street jazz ensemble under director Michael Morrissey.
The board publicly praised the department and affirmed support for music, extracurriculars and the role they play in student engagement. The presentation was given during the board’s regular session and preceded routine business and personnel votes.
