Arts

Our certified music specialists provide formal instruction that encourages participation through singing, rhythmic movement, and aesthetic awareness. Music instruction is often integrated with the general curriculum, which enriches the learning experience and helps students form connections between the arts and other subjects, such as math and science. 

We also offer an optional after-school Elementary Chorus program for students in grades 4-6. General music classroom skills are fortified and proper ensemble singing and performance techniques are taught. Students perform several times throughout the school year for peers, parents, and the community.

Elementary Music Teacher
Rachelle Russo
rrusso@northgatesd.net
412-732-3300 Ext. 4021

Instrumental Music lessons are offered once a week as an optional class during the school day for students in grades 4-6. Students can choose from the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or percussion. This program includes weekly 20-minute lessons as well as 30-minute rehearsals to prepare for concerts in December and May. The District provides books and sheet music and a rent-to-buy program is available through local music stores. Our elementary instrumental lessons are designed to prepare students for membership in the instrumental ensembles at the high school and foster a life-long appreciation of music.

Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher
Jessica Haberman
jhaberman@northgatesd.net
412-732-3300 Ext. 1054

Our Elementary students have one 45-minute art class each week throughout the school year. Students will explore a variety of media and techniques throughout their experience. Student projects often reflect appropriate grade level general curriculum content. The curriculum is guided by both the Pennsylvania State Standards for the Arts and Humanities as well as the National Core Arts Standards to promote artistic literacy.

Elementary Art Teacher
Katherine Novelli
knovelli@northgatesd.net
412-732-3300 Ext. 4202

Middle School students participate in quarterly rotations that includes music. 

Both our Middle School and High School students are also encouraged to choose electives such as chorus, band and orchestra.

Middle School Choral Program 
Northgate Middle School Chorus is an elective course available to all students in grades 7 and 8 who wish to display musical ability through song. This group performs at school assemblies and evening programs at various times throughout the school year. Students receive a grade as members of the Middle School Chorus. Attendance is mandatory daily and at evening concert performances.

High School Concert Choir 
High School Concert Choir is an elective course available to all students in grades 9-12 who wish to display musical ability through song. Small select groups, such as the Triple-Trio, The Flamettes, Mixed Ensemble, and Male Ensemble are chosen through an audition process. Choral groups perform numerous programs in the school and community throughout the year. Students receive a grade as members of the High School Concert Choir. Attendance is mandatory daily and at evening concert performances.

Secondary Music Teacher
Kelly Winovich
kwinovich@northgatesd.net
412-732-3300 Ext. 1063

Middle School students participate in quarterly rotations that includes music. 

Both our Middle School and High School students are also encouraged to choose electives such as chorus, band and orchestra.

Middle School Concert Band
The Northgate Middle School Concert Band is an elective course available to students in grades 7 and 8. The Middle School Concert Band is an ensemble introduces students to the genre of concert band music while showcasing both standard classical band repertoire as well as newer and more familiar music. The Middle School Concert Band has four evening performances throughout the school year at the Winter Concert, Arts Odyssey, Spring Concert and Graduation. Students receive a grade as members of the Middle School Concert Band. Attendance is mandatory daily and at evening concert performances. Concert Band students are also selected to perform in multiple honors bands throughout the school year.

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High School Concert Band
The Northgate High School Concert Band is composed of instrumentalists in grades 9-12. The High School Concert Band is an ensemble that concentrates on performing complex concert band music while showcasing both standard classical band repertoire as well as newer and more familiar music. The High School Concert Band has four evening performances throughout the school year at the Winter Concert, Arts Odyssey, Spring Concert and Graduation. Students receive a grade as members of the Middle School Concert Band. Attendance is mandatory daily and at evening concert performances. Concert Band students are also selected to perform in multiple honors bands throughout the school year.

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Jazz Band
The Northgate “Sizzlers” Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity that rehearses once a week after school and is open to students in grades 7-12. This ensemble exposes students to the genre of jazz and allows them to learn standard jazz music as well as newer and more familiar music. The ensemble is frequently asked to perform at school, community and citywide events. Each year the jazz band also travels to the Allegheny County Courthouse and the Pittsburgh International Airport during the Holidays to perform. 

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Marching Band
The Northgate Flames Marching Band is open to all instrumentalists in grades 7-12. The Marching Band performs at all home and away football games, band festivals, and various community events and parades. The Marching Band rehearses after school and is offered as an elective course during the 1st quarter of each school year. 

Recent performances include the Carlynton Band Festival, North Hills Band Festival, Montour Band Festival, and the Allegheny Valley Marching Band Festival. The Marching Band also performs annually for the Sewickley Memorial Day Parade, Pittsburgh Veteran’s Day Parade, Bloomfield Halloween Parade, and various community events. The Northgate Marching Band travelled to Walt Disney World this past spring and looks forward to many exciting performances in the future.

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Orchestra
The Orchestra meets daily and is made up of students in grades 7-12 who play an orchestral instrument. This ensemble exposes the students to the genre of orchestral music and allows them to learn standard orchestral repertoire as well as newer and more familiar music. Throughout the school year the Orchestra has 3 performances: Winter Concert, Arts Odyssey and Spring Concert, all are held in the evenings.

Instrumental Music Teacher
Jessica Haberman
jhaberman@northgatesd.net
412-732-3300 Ext. 1054

All students in grades 7-12 have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs delivered by certified art, technical education, and industrial arts teachers each week. Our certified art specialists encourage aesthetic awareness through observation and visual re-creation of the world around us. 

Middle School students participate in quarterly rotations that include the visual arts.  

High School students are offered rich learning experiences that integrate the arts with the general curriculum. They are also encouraged to choose electives such as industrial arts, art, and music.