Levittown Public Schools: Musicians Blossom In Levittown's Summer Program

Press release from the Levittown Public Schools:

August 04, 2021

Megan Bastos, a band teacher at East Broadway Elementary School, is coordinator of the Summer Music Program and said it is a great opportunity for students to gain more technical proficiency on their brass, percussion, string and woodwind instruments through personalized instruction. Each band or orchestra group is typically six or fewer students, allowing teachers to focus on every child's individual needs.

This year's instructors are Ms. Bastos, Abbey Lane orchestra teacher Cindy Baez and Gardiners Avenue band teacher Matt Nobile. Students come in twice a week for a half hour and play scales and songs.

Students entering third and fourth grade are learning an instrument for the first time, so the summer program gives them a chance to begin the school year with some basic knowledge. For older students in the program, many have already mastered an instrument and are now learning a second one this summer.

Ms. Bastos said that enrollment is up significantly this summer, as music teachers throughout the district promoted its value. By actively playing their instruments during the break, the young musicians not only retain prior knowledge but also improve their abilities. The Summer Music Program ends with a small performance by the intermediate and advanced-level students on Aug. 12.

This press release was produced by the Levittown Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.