Phil-Mont is a musical place, offering music classes from Pre-Kindergarten up to AP Music Theory for Seniors. Phil-Mont has enjoyed the gifts and abilities of students over the years, some of whom have gone on to play professionally or teach in various capacities. The program all starts with our teachers and includes yearly events like the Christmas Concerts and the Spring Fine Arts Festival Concerts.
Mrs. Melinda Krpata is Phil-Mont’s Instrumental music Teacher. graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in Music Education and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Worship Studies from Liberty University. Melinda directs both the Middle and High School Bands and gives individual band lessons for students in grades 4-12, works with the chapel leadership team and chapel music team, has four boys, and her husband Andy is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is currently serving a church in Bethlehem, PA. He also teaches low brass lessons at Phil-Mont.
Mr. Kevin Stewart is Phil-Mont’s Elementary Music teacher working with students in PK – grade 5, plus leading the A Cappella elective for High School students, and supporting the Theater dept. during the fall musical.
Elementary Music
Music for PK – 5th is an exciting mix of singing, making music with rhythm instruments, playing hand chimes and drums, music appreciation, theory, and performance. Folk songs, multicultural music, scripture songs, and historic hymns are used to promote skill in and enjoyment of many forms of music. Each class presents a musical drama at some time during the year. Study of a band instrument may be undertaken in fourth and fifth grades and an extracurricular choir is also available for third, fourth, and fifth grades.
Middle School Music
Middle School Music has a variety of studies and all students in grades 6-8 are part of either the concert band or music class. Music class splits time between choir and music theory covering various themes like Twentieth-Century Music, World Cultures, Western Culture and More. There are also clubs for the Select Choir, Jazz Band, and Handbells.
High School Music
Students may elect to study music in High School by joining the Band or the A Capella Choir. In choir, the students prepare music of various eras, genres, styles and cultures for concerts and festivals as well as learn about the progress of music from the Middle Ages to the present.
The study of sight-singing and music theory encourages music literacy, and healthy vocal technique is taught and practiced. Band students study and perform in small ensembles as well as the larger group. Improved technique and proficiency are evidence of excellent training and persistent practice.
Our Seniors can earn college credit in music by taking AP Music Theory.