Passaic Valley Music Department

  • Click here to visit our PV Music Department Website

    The study of music at the secondary school level provides the student with the opportunity to practice many skills that may not be found in other academic disciplines.  Foremost among these are the self-discipline and self-motivation necessary to master music, combined with the sense of camaraderie and teamwork when performing with a group.

    Students learn higher-level functions of mathematics and world cultures through the study of music. They experience a variety of musical styles that they may not otherwise hear in their everyday experience.  They are given the opportunity to express their feelings in a positive and constructive manner.

    Add to this the sense of accomplishment and public recognition for their achievements.  The study of music can motivate students who are otherwise unreachable, and bring joy and meaning to the disenchanted.  Music can make a difference.

    PROGRAM OF STUDIES

    • Course Offerings: Concert Band I-IV, Concert Choir I-IV, Honors Concert Band, Honors Concert Choir, Music Theory, Rock of Ages, Music Explorations, Piano Keyboard, Intro to Classical Guitar, Zero Period Concert Band and Concert Choir
    • Instrumental Music Coursework: Students choose an instrument in order to learn playing techniques and music fundamentals such as note reading, rhythm, intonation, ear training, breath control, tonal balance, production, and quality, phrasing, and ensemble playing skills
    • Vocal Music Coursework: Students will receive training and experience in music fundamentals such as note reading, rhythm, intonation, ear training, breath control, diction, intonation, blend, and phrasing. Students will sing a highly diverse repertoire in multiple parts and develop critical listening, thinking, and evaluative skills.
    • General Music Coursework: Elements of music and theory, terminology, various musical forms, materials and methods of composition from different historical periods and world cultures, awareness of various music related careers, history of music/contemporary music, music technology, performance
    • Positions of leadership available within the Concert Choir (section leaders, music librarians)
    • Three concerts in conjunction with multiple performance opportunities throughout the year
    • Student enrichment through field trips and in-school presentations
    • Extra-curricular performances groups (A Cappella Vocal Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band)
    • ABA Music Course offered through the Washington School at Passaic Valley

    PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

    • Music Department Holiday, Spring, and Pops Concerts
    • School Wide Assemblies and Community Events
    • School Sponsored Open Mic Nights
    • Holiday Show, Variety Show, and Spring Musical (Drama Club)
    • Collaborative Performances with Surrounding School Districts
    • Marching Band and Color Guard Performances and Competitions
    • Field Trips/Festivals

    TRI-M MUSIC HONORS SOCIETY

    Tri-M, the only national honor society for student musicians in the country, highlights our school’s music program and gives students the opportunity to perform, lead, and serve. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments, and to inspire other students to excel at music and become leaders.

    To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in a school-sponsored music ensemble for at least two marking periods, show academic excellence in all subject areas, be a leader in their school/community, and complete different service activities. Students are also chosen based on character; a person who demonstrates respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, care, and citizenship.

    Any student who meets the above criteria, the bylaws written by the Passaic Valley Music Department, and has been approved by the advisors will be fully vested as new members

    DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS

    • Members of STANJ (The Speech and Theater Association of New Jersey), an organization which advocates for the study and teaching of communication and theater arts
    • Tri-M Music Honors Society
    • NAFME (National Association for Music Education)
    • North Jersey Area Band Region 1 NJSMA (North Jersey School Music Association)
    • Marching Band: USBands

  • FACULTY

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Michael DeLuccia

BA Music Education
MA Education, Music Concentration

Mike DeLuccia is currently the Director of Bands at Passaic Valley High School as well as the Music Director for the spring musicals where he has worked on such shows as: The Drowsy Chaperone, The Wedding Singer, The Producers, Cabaret and many more. He is also a freelance percussionist and current President of the North Jersey Area Band. During the summer he directs the Passaic Valley Summer for the Performing Arts camp which includes students entering the 4th grade through high school. The camp gives students an education in the fine and performing arts while keeping the fun alive. Mike is also an advocate for PV and the surrounding communities and serves as President of the Passaic Valley Education Foundation.

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Pia Vanderstreet Surace

BA Music Education

Pia Surace is currently the Choral Director at Passaic Valley High School as well as the Fall Play Director and Assistant Spring Musical Director. With almost 20 years of performing experience and over a decade of teaching and directing experience, she is excited to be a PV Hornet! An alumnus of The College of New Jersey, Pia has performed with many community theaters throughout Northern New Jersey. Some favorite credits include: Into The Woods (Little Red), Children of Eden (Eve), Dido and Aeneas (Dido), The Light in the Piazza (Clara), Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy). Some favorite directing/musical directing credits include: Once On This Island, Tarzan, Freaky Friday, RENT, Lend Me A Tenor, La Gringa and more! Pia is also a teaching artist with the Performing Arts School at Bergen PAC, directing and teaching music and theater.

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