Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm Thursday, May 4 at 7 pm

High School Orchestra Concert
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
Thursday, February 2 at 7 pm
High School Band Concert
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
Saturday, February 18 at 9 am
Perfeoming Arts Day
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
March 16 thru March 19
Spring Musical: Singin’ in the Rain
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
8th Grade & Middle School
Combined Band Concert
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
Friday, May 5 at 7 pm
High School Orchestra Concert
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)
Tuesday, May 16 at 7 pm
Middle School Orchestra Concert
Norwin Middle School Auditorium
Wednesday, May 17 at 7 pm
4th Grade Strings &
Hillcrest Orchestra Concert
Hillcrest Auditorium

Tuesday, April 11 at 7 pm
Percussion Ensemble Concert
Norwin Center for the
Performing Arts (H.S. Auditorium)

Hillcrest Intermediate &

The Norwin Play It Forward Fund provides Middle School Orchestras
financial assistance for students in grades 5-12
in the Norwin School District’s Instrumental
Music Programs to afford private music lessons
and summer music camp experiences.
Winter Concert
For more information, visit December 14, 2016
http://norwinplayitforwardfund.org/
Michael Szymanski and
Ian Morrison, directors
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From the Superintendent Tonight’s Selections
Middle School Orchestra
The Russian Music Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soon Hee Newbold
As Superintendent of Schools and on behalf of all in attendance
Minuet in G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paderewski arr. Dabczynski
this evening, I congratulate and commend all student musicians who
are performing tonight. The Norwin Board of Education and the In the Bleak Midwinter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gustav Holst arr. Higgins
Administration recognize the outstanding musical abilities of our students, Etude in G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haydn arr. Isaac
acknowledging that they are among the best and the brightest of our A la Media Noche (At Midnight) . . . . . . . . . . . . .Puerto Rican Carol arr. Lipton
youth. (performed by the CAGED Ensemble)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . English Carol arr.Wieloszynski
The Norwin School District is an extraordinary model for supporting
and advancing music education and the performing arts. It is an allegiance
based on tradition and community pride and a commitment to academic
excellence, music education, and the performing arts.
Middle School Orchestra
Parents and families are encouraged to be advocates of music education 8th Grade 7th Grade 7th Grade Cello
and performing arts, noting a strong correlation with high academic Violin Violin Violin Abigail Abia
achievement. As such, these research points, published by Miami University Brendan Ash Spencer Ballas (cont.) Emma Balaban
of Ohio, are highlighted: Katie Baker Colleen Jordan Nick DiPerna
Erin Bollinger Boatright Napierkowski Cody Kelly
Madison Kaylin Brucker Addison Patrick Mary Kochis
1. Children who study music tend to have larger vocabularies
Buscemi Robert Burns Karina Rosario Tori Marflak
and more advanced reading skills than their peers who do not
Shannon Dandar Evelyn Cao Zachary Smith Emilie Watson
participate in music lessons.
Autumn Doyle Jacob Capets Prescott Stauffer Anthony
2. Research shows that music is to the brain as physical exercise is Katie Elliott Aidan Conroy Riley Turnbull Wojnovich
to the human body. David Emro Ashley Carrie Walls
3. A study from Columbia University revealed that students who John Giansante Cumpston Emma Westover Bass
study arts are more cooperative with their teachers and peers, Ryan Grabowski Cassie Dye Landen Whitt Ava Babbie
have higher levels self-confidence, and are more equipped to Sherry Hanan Dalene Ekberg Steven Zheng Noelani Seybert
express themselves and their ideas. Abigail Homick Julie Fekete Elly Stodolsky
Harish Kodavali Nathan Fell Viola Alayna Francis
We thank our principals and music teachers, as well as the numerous Aria Lauritzen Lane Fischer Billy Balaban
Norwin parent and community volunteers who provide never-ending Zach Naponic Hunter Haines Daisy Cheshire
support to our developing musicians. Alex Nicholson Emily Hunn Brook Gast
Zach Potthoff Triniti Joy Nick Markovina
Best wishes for an enjoyable evening, and please continue to keep music Madison Roble Alyssa Laukus Elizabeth
and the performing arts in a prominent place in your lives, now and in the Jordan Schiller Allyson Lowden Zapanta
future! Abbey Siffrinn Keeley Austin Hewitt
Ethan Sommers MacKenzie Lauren Jordan
Board of Education and Administration Lily Wedge Elizabeth Olivia Knoechel
William H. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Zachary Zezza Mahoney Trina Lord
Josh Yanan

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Tonight’s Selections
Fifth Grade Orchestra
Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Bange
The Holly and the Ivy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Brian Balmages
Passage to Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Hommel
Sixth Grade Orchestra
Music in the Style of Telemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Bange
Theme from Canon in D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Steve Hommel
Dance of Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Halferty
From the Principal
Good Evening,
I want to thank all of you for your attendance at this evening’s winter
concert. In addition to their fine efforts in the classroom, our young
musicians have been working diligently under the direction of Mr.
Morrison and Mr. Szymanski. I am extremely proud of the time and
commitment given by our students to make our music department
such a rich program.

Please continue to encourage, enlighten, and support your children as

Hillcrest Musicians
they grow into quality young adults. Again, I thank you for being here
5th Grade Corgan Kelly Jean-Marc Lily Henry and hope you enjoy this evening’s program.
Orchestra Kendyl Kelly Williams Oliver Hinson
Tyler Andrews Kaelee Laver Julia Wilson Andrea Hogue Happy Holidays,
Luka Bajich Kylie MaKay Ava Wisniewski Joey Holland
Andre Balcom Sara Mamas Nick Yanan Anthony Janiga
Georgia Bossart Taylar Martino Noah Kelly Mr. Suman
Miki Chen Mikayla May 6th Grade Madelynn Kessler
Nicholas Cormas Kody Orchestra Gwen Legg
Rocco D’Alesio McCutcheon Personnel Matthew Lindh
Gabriella Malina McManus Emily Amdurs Mya Matthews
DiPerna Valin Morrison Kayla Arsenault Callie Meyer Did You Know?
Gianna DiPerna Zach Patrick Aidan Ash Julia Parente Research shows that teens:
Ethan Edgerton Jillian Natalia Bargiel Owen Prutz
• See music as their “social glue” and as a bridge for building acceptance
Audra Fedor Pensenstadler Isabella Belko Chloe Puza
Isaiah Francis Megan Potthoff Jacob Biehl Ashley Shaplye and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds
Sean Gesler Alina Ragan Conner Bollinger Hannah Shaw • Believe music helps adolescents release or control emotions and helps
Ryan Gogal Olivia Reed Abigail Campbell Maddie Smith coping with difficult situations such as peer pressure, substance abuse,
Jenna Mollie Ruffin Dusty Cheshire Betsy Szymanski pressures of study and family, the dynamics of friendships and social
Greenawalt Addison Stanley Amanda Alivia Tepke life, and the pain of loss or abuse
Jillian Grgic Paxton Stauffer Coneybeer Rebekah • Feel that playing music teaches self discipline
Isabella Gricar Alex Taleff Shannon Daley Whittaker • Believe that playing music diminishes boundaries between people
Julia Grippo Briana Toney Abigail Miranda • Indicate making music provides the freedom for teens to just be
Danny Huang Lakshita Verma Dopkosky Widmaier themselves; to be different; to be something they thought they could
Aidan Hudson Sophia Weixel Samantha Bailey
never be; to be comfortable and relaxed in school and elsewhere
Maria Janiga Lillianne Findura Woodward
Damien Kapfer Weyandt Alex Fumero Alexander in their lives
Samantha Amanda Abigael Furlong Zimmerman Source: https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/2014-06-09-why-play-music-teens
Karabin Whitney Leila Gregg
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About the directors Special thanks to…

Michael Szymanski is a 1991 graduate of Norwin High School and The parents of all the students Todd Leighty and the
received a B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University in 1995. represented tonight for Auditorium Production Team
Mr. Szymanski has been the Middle School Orchestra director since supporting Fine Arts Mr. Evanov and the stage crew
being hired in 1996 and became the High School Orchestra director Education Pat Geiger, Jim Dezorzi and the
Our student musicians Norwin Maintenance
in 1998. In addition to their annual winter and spring concerts, the
Norwin School District and Custodial Staff
H.S. Orchestra often performs with the Norwin Chorus, at invitational Board of Education Ushers and Volunteers
festivals and for various community and scholastic events. In recent William H. Kerr, Ed.D., The Norwin Music Department
years, the H.S. Orchestra has received numerous Superior ratings at Superintendent of Schools Michael Szymanski
PMEA Music Performance Assessments and other adjudicated festivals. Timothy J. Kotch, Sr., Tim Daniels
During his time at Norwin, Michael has also taught elementary band and Asst. Superintendent Greg Ondayko
orchestra, elementary and middle school general music, music theory, Mrs. Natalie A. McCracken, Brandon Kandrack
Asst. Superintendent Ross Cohen
and guitar. He has been the Music Department Chairperson since
and the Norwin School Ian Morrison
2011. In his time away from school, Mr. Szymanski enjoys reading, hiking, District Administration Devon Lippmann
camping and long road trips. He continues to be an active freelance Norwin Faculty and Staff Bridget Faulk
performer on violin and viola. Michael and his wife Jennifer currently Michael D. Choby, Principal Lauren McCurdy
reside in North Huntingdon with their daughters, Betsy and Abby. Joseph V. Shigle, III, Elizabeth Stephens
Assistant Principal Fred King
A graduate from the Norwin School District, Ian Morrison received Timothy P. McCabe, Lynn Spiegel
Assistant Principal Chuck & Lois Jano
his B.S. in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
and the Norwin H.S. Our students’ many
and his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University. Administration private teachers
Mr. Morrison began teaching at Norwin in 2000 and his duties have Mr. Robert Suman, Principal Hillcrest Orchestra Officers
included everything from Kindergarten Music to High School Band. Mr. Troy Collier, Noah Kelly, President
Currently, Mr. Morrison teaches string instruments at Hahntown, Assistant Principal Betsy Szymanski,
Sheridan Terrace, Stewartsville, and Sunset Valley Elementary Schools and the Norwin M.S. Secretary/Treasurer
and Hillcrest Intermediate School. Mr. Morrison resides in North Administration & Staff Kathleen Heuer,
Huntingdon with his wife Kim and son Aiden. Mr. Brian O’Neil, Principal concert program design
Ms. Lisa Banasick,
Assistant Principal
Recommended Private Teachers and the Hillcrest Intermediate
School Administration & Staff
I AM Music Academy 724-515-7901 Irwin All instruments Fifth and Sixth Grade
Rana’s Music Studio 724-913-0467 Irwin violin, viola, cello Classroom Teachers
Vickie Beck 412-829-2207 N. Versailles violin, viola, cello Thank you for your continued support of the Norwin Music
Department, specifically the Norwin Orchestra Program!

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