Penn-Trafford Music Department News

Our TMS teachers were invited to review past programs, dating back to 2004, and choose their favorite songs that the chorus has performed.  TMS Chorus Director, Mrs. Rumbaugh and the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade chorus members were very excited to present this show as a dedication to our staff at TMS and to thank them for all their care and hard work they provide for them on a daily basis. There’s no better place to be than Trafford Middle School!

Special thanks to. Mrs. Rodgers and her daughter, Juna, for joining us in singing In Summer, Mrs. Sekera for joining us in singing My Favorite Things, Mr. Bacco for joining us in singing I Walk the Line, Mrs. Lamanna for joining us in singing I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. Sekera, Mr. Bacco, Mrs. Lamanna, and special guest, Mr. Sullivan for joining us in singing our closing song, Don’t Stop Believin.’  All of them made our concert unforgettable!

Students Represent Trafford Middle School at Chorus Festival

[Trafford, PA, February 22, 2022]  Several students from Trafford Middle School were selected to participate in the WCMEA Sixth Grade County Chorus Festival on Friday, February 11.

Aurora Hornyak, Amelia Lightner, Abigail Reech, Jordyn Sauter, and MacKenzie Hamilton represented Trafford Middle School at the event which took place at Greater Latrobe High School.  Students from all over Westmoreland County were selected to participate in the all-day festival, which concluded with an evening concert.

“The sixth-grade chorus members worked hard for several months, learning an entire repertoire of music ahead of the all-day event,” said chorus director, Mrs. Rumbaugh.  “I was proud of the girls’ efforts and was to see all their hard work come to fruition at the festival’s evening concert.”

TMS Hosts Piano and Strings Competition (2-14-22)

The Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition held its 14th-annual  Piano and Strings Competition on February 14. The event took place at Trafford Middle School and was judged by the school’s music teacher, Mrs. Renee Rumbaugh.  

Students from Penn-Trafford High School, Penn Middle School, Trafford Middle School, Derry Area Middle School and Mt. Pleasant High School participated. 

PT Students Perform in PMEA District Band Festival

Three Penn-Trafford High School students were selected to perform in The PMEA District 1 Senior High School Band Festival on Friday, January 28, 2022.  

Angelina DiMatteo, Teresa Campbell-Steffens, and Nicholas Freilino performed with 115 other students from the PMEA District 1 East.  Mr. Mark Surovchak, director of bands at Belle Vernon High School hosted the festival. The guest conductor of the ensemble was Dr. Jason Worzbyt, who is the professor of bassoon and Associate Director of Bands at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Penn-Trafford Music Ensembles Perform at Disney World

Penn-Trafford students, parents, and chaperones returned from a trip to Disney World in the early hours of January 7th after a magical week of performances, workshops, and fun.

The Penn-Trafford High School Marching Band had the honor of parading down Main Street USA in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  Led by Director David Cornelius and Drum Major Nicholas Freilino, the band performed the Washington Post March and the Mickey Mouse March.  The students also had the opportunity to participate in the "You're Instrumental" workshop, during which they recorded a medley from "Aladdin", which was added to the animated scenes of the movie. 

The High School Chorus Ensembles - Encore and Ovation - performed in Disney Springs.  Both groups performed several holiday numbers.  Additionally, the Mixed Chorus and Select Choir members participated in a choral workshop at Saratoga Springs in Walt Disney World and recorded music from Disney’s “Tangled” which accompanied two scenes from the movie.

This trip was made possible by the tireless fundraising of the students and the strong community support.  “The marching band would like to thank all of the members of the Penn-Trafford community who have supported the monthly sub-sales,” commented Mr. Cornelius.  “Your support enabled the students to have a wonderful experience in Florida.”

“We would like to thank the students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members who made this once-in-a-lifetime experience a reality,” added Mr. Fox.

Penn-Trafford Students Perform at County Band Festival

The Penn-Trafford School District had ten students selected for the Westmoreland County Junior High Band Festival. The students performed a concert for the public on Friday, January 7th at Norwin Middle School along with students from other schools around the county.

Penn-Trafford’s participants were:

Penn Middle School

Jacob Dormire - 8th grade, trumpet

Collin Dransart - 7th grade, baritone saxophone

Eliyah McPherson - 8th grade, trumpet

Lilliana Watson - 7th grade, clarinet

Trafford Middle School

Faiz Khatri - 8th grade, euphonium

Senan Hensler - 8th grade, tenor saxophone

Ethan Guyer - 7th grade, trumpet

Penn-Trafford High School

Zachary Posner - 9th grade, euphonium 

Emily Valenta - 9th grade, flute 

Ava Capdevila - 9th grade, clarinet

Penn Middle Students to Participate in Honors Bands

(12-22-21) Three of our talented musicians will perform at the Seton Hill University Performing Art Center

Three students from Penn Middle School were selected to participate in the Seton Hill Honors Bands.

For the Seton Hill Honors Jazz Band, Adithri Pingali (grade 8) was selected on piano and Benjamin Jobe (grade 7) on the drumset.  For the Seton Hill Concert Band, Christopher Conte (grade 7) was selected on tenor saxophone. 

Both bands will perform at the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center.  The Concert Band’s performance is on January 22nd at 7:00 pm.  The Jazz Band’s performance is on March 20th at 7:00 pm.  The concerts are open to the public.

Merry TubaChristmas!

(12-21-21) IUP gathers musicians from the region, including a group from PT, for the holiday concert

Penn-Trafford High School Band Director, Mr. Cornelius,  and nine PT students were among seventy-two tuba and other low brass instruments playing Christmas Carols at IUP’s “Merry TubaChristmas” concert. 

TubaChristmas concerts take place all over the world and are held to celebrate instruments in the tuba family.

Trafford Middle School Chorus Performs at Make-a-Wish Telethon

(Trafford, PA: December 21, 2021)  The Trafford Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus recorded holiday favorites to perform at the Penn-Trafford High School Make-a-Wish Telethon, held on December 21, 2021.  The eighth grade chorus performed Let There Be Peace on Earth and Once Upon a December.  The entire Trafford Middle School Chorus raised $339 at their annual holiday concert to donate to the telethon.  Mrs. Rumbaugh is so proud of the generosity of the Trafford community.

Penn Middle Choruses Dazzle Audience

Penn Middle School’s 6th and 7th/8th-grade choruses performed their holiday concerts in early December.  The groups performed songs including "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "Dashing Through the Snow," "My Favorite Things," and "Silent Night." 

For some extra fun, the students played maracas in "Feliz Navidad," kazoos in "Theme from Elf," and used flameless candles for "Light."  They also danced along to "The Christmas Tree Feud" and "Let it Snow."

The choruses are directed by Miss Taylor Powell, a music teacher at the school.

Trafford Middle School Chorus Aims to Uplift Community  

[Trafford, PA, December 14, 2021] In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Trafford Middle School Chorus set its sights on spreading cheer to local nursing home residents.  The students wrote letters, made holiday crafts, and sent recordings of their holiday concert in hopes of raising the spirits of those who are confined during the holidays.

PTHS Sends Four Students to WCMEA Music Festival

Four students from Penn-Trafford High School were selected to perform in the Senior High County Band, which took place at Yough Intermediate Middle School on December 3, 2021.  The concert was sponsored by the Westmoreland County Music Educators Association. 

Penn-Trafford’s musicians were Elise Marcoz (clarinet), Nicholas McCracken (percussion), Teresa Campbell-Steffens (oboe), and Angelina DiMatteo (tuba).  They joined students from high schools throughout Westmoreland County.  The guest conductor of the ensemble was Dr. Tad Greig, the Director of Bands at Westminster College.

Trafford Middle School Performs Annual Holiday Concert and Raises Money for PT Make-a-Wish Telethon

(Trafford, PA: December 2, 2021)  The Trafford Middle School sixth, seventh, and eighth grade chorus performed their annual holiday concert on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.  The concert featured full chorus selections, eighth grade chorus selections, narrators, and a featured tap dance.  This year’s theme was “Music from Holiday Movies,” featuring favorites from Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express, and more.  The Trafford Middle School Chorus also collected donations to present to the Penn-Trafford High School Make-a-Wish Telethon, totaling $339!  The TMS eighth grade chorus recorded holiday music to air at the telethon.

Sounds of the Season Heard at Penn Middle School

Under the direction of Mr. Brandon Pyles, the Penn Middle School bands presented a Winter Concert for the public on December 1.   The concert featured the 6th-grade concert band, the 7th/8th-grade concert band, and the Penn Middle Jazz Band. 

The students also performed for the students and staff of Penn Middle School on Friday, December 3rd.

PTHS Jazz Ensemble Entertains at Courthouse

In early December, Penn-Trafford High School’s Jazz Ensemble traveled into Pittsburgh to perform a Holiday Program at the Allegheny County Courthouse.  The students were accompanied by band director, Mr. David Cornelius.

Trafford Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus Perform Concert on Veterans Day 

[Trafford, PA, November 18, 2021]  The Trafford Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus performed at a community service for Veterans Day at Trafford Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday, November 11, 2021.  The students performed The Star-Spangled Banner, Lean on Me, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and God Bless the U.S.A.  

“The chorus members were excited to share their music with the veterans and community members in attendance,” commented chorus director Mrs. Renee Rumbaugh.  “They were honored to perform at such an important event in the Trafford community.” 

PT's Marching Band Wins Championship

(10-27-21) Congrats to our PTHS marching band, which took 1st place at Region 8 TOB Championship!

The Region 8 ‘Tournament of Bands’ Championship show took place at Penn-Trafford’s Warrior Stadium on Saturday, October 23. The Penn-Trafford Marching Band secured first place as the 2021 Group 3 Open Champions, and once again received their highest score of this season. 

Next up, Penn-Trafford will travel to Dauphin County to compete in the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship on November 7th.

Penn-Trafford Marching Band Takes Home Trophy

(10-19-21) Group fares well at Tournament of Bands competition

The Penn-Trafford Marching Band competed in a Tournament of Bands competition at McKeesport High School on Saturday, October 16. Penn-Trafford earned a first-place trophy for its class and continued to improve its score.

Trafford Middle School Chorus Performs at Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival

[Trafford, PA, October 6, 2021]   The Trafford Middle School Chorus, combined with some of its ninth and tenth grade former members, performed at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park on October 2.  This marked the group’s first ‘live’ performance since December 2019 (before COVID).   

The chorus performed three medleys - The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, and Moana.  The group also had the opportunity to enjoy the other festival events as well as dinner together following their performance.  

“This was such a wonderful experience for the students!” said Chorus Director Mrs. Rumbaugh.  “It was so emotional to hear them singing live again.  They sounded fantastic and I was so proud of them!”

Bands Combine for Halftime Show

Bands from PTHS, PMS, and TMS perform together at football game

Penn-Trafford’s Middle School Bands had the honor of performing alongside the PTHS marching band on Friday, September 17.  The groups took to the football field during halftime of the PT vs. Peter’s Township football game.

Together, the bands performed “Paint it Black," "Sweet Caroline," and "Warriors."

"All bands did a phenomenal job working together, rehearsing, and performing at halftime,” commented the Trafford Middle School band director, Mrs. Riston.  “I’d like to thank all the band members for their hard work and dedication, and Mr. Cornelius for arranging everything."

PTHS Marching Band Entertains and Improves

In addition to entertaining at Warrior football games, the Penn-Trafford High School marching band performs at various competitions and festivals throughout the year.  The group recently competed at East Allegheny (September 25) and Tyrone, PA (October 2) and is very pleased with the improvements shown after each performance.

PT Hosts Showcase of Champions (9-17-21)

PTHS Marching Band performs alongside 6 other bands in the 10th Annual Emery Toth Jr. Memorial Showcase

The Penn-Trafford High School Marching Band hosted six other bands in the 10th Annual Emery Toth Jr. Memorial Showcase of Champions on September 11th. 

Students Attend Summer Band Camp (8-27-21)

4th, 5th, and 6th graders develop their instrument skills

The Penn-Trafford School District held a band camp at Penn Middle School during July for incoming 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. 4th-grade students met in small groups to learn how to properly assemble their instruments and make their first sounds. 5th and 6th graders had the opportunity to meet as an ensemble to continue developing their instrument skills and work on concert repertoire. 

District music teachers, Jeff Fox, Andrea Frescura, and Jamie Riston led the camp along with undergraduate music education majors from Duquesne University and Seton Hill University.

PT Marching Band Performs at Kennywood (8-25-21)

Band takes part in the park's "Fall Fantasy Parade" attraction

The Penn-Trafford High School Marching Band performed at Kennywood Park on Saturday, August 14.  As part of the park’s “Fall Fantasy Parade” attraction, the band joined over 100 other bands from Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio who performed in the month-long celebration.

PTHS Marching Band Tackles Summer Practice (6-21-21)

Practice makes perfect!

It’s summertime, and that means the new band season has begun.  Members of the Penn-Trafford High School marching band are working hard to learn the new music and routines, and improve their skills.