Riverside School Music Program

Band – Our band coordinator, Ms. Jessica Wahlers, invites all students in grades 4 and 5 to join the band! She conducts half hour lessons 2 days per week. These lessons rotate so students do not miss the same academic subject each week. The band performs at our two annual concerts and also at our very special community events such as Flag Day and Veteran’s Day.

Orchestra- Under the direction of Mr. Barry Hoffman, students have several opportunities to play a string instrument. Students may join in grade 3 as weekly lessons are provided to any child who is willing to practice and attend these half hour lessons. Mr. Hoffman schedules an annual concert for these young musicians.
Any student in grades 4 and 5 can continue and/or join the orchestra. Two weekly lessons are provided and at least two recitals are scheduled to showcase the progress of these students. When possible the orchestra will travel off campus to perform in local venues.

Rentals- Information regarding instrument rental is available from the music department.

Chorus- Ms. Anne Collin, is our general music teacher. She also serves as the choral director for our wonderful chorus. Roughly 90 voices are currently involved in the program. The choral experience is open to any child in grades 4 and 5. Students are divided into two voice parts, and each part rehearses once a week, and recitals are conducted twice a year. The chorus performs at community events both on and off campus. They bring joy town residents by singing at the Annual Hope Day event each April. They also sing at Bridgeport Islanders' Hockey Games.

We hope your child will take advantage of these great opportunities. Our highly qualified teachers, all musicians in their own right, nurture and develop the skills and disciplines needed to enhance a child’s love of music.

Riverside Rangers - This leadership opportunity is a direct outgrowth of our ROPES social emotional learning program. Students in grade 5 are trained to be leaders in the fall of their 5th grade year. Students serve as activity leaders for special events (e.g., book fairs & assemblies). Rangers serve as greeters every morning, welcoming students as they enter the school. Rangers also facilitate morning meeting in 3rd grade classrooms. We are constantly looking for ways to encourage school-community leadership among our students and develop the norm Caring for Self and Others through peer interactions.