Phil-Mont is a musical place, offering music classes from Pre-Kindergarten up to AP Music Theory for Seniors. Phil-Mont has enjoyed the gifts and abilities of students over the years, some of whom have gone on to play professionally or teach in various capacities. All grades have performances each year, and students are given more opportunities to use their musical gifts as they grow. Yearly events include Christmas Concerts and Spring Fine Arts Festival Concerts.
Department Staff
Mrs. Melinda Krpata is Phil-Mont’s Instrumental Music Teacher. She graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in Music Education and has a Master’s in Worship Studies from Liberty University. Melinda directs both the Middle and High School Bands and gives individual band lessons for students beginning in grade 4. She works with our Chapel Leadership Team and teaches AP Music Theory for Phil-Mont’s most advanced musicians. She also teaches a Wednesday Elective in Handbells for High School students.
Mr. Kevin Stewart is Phil-Mont’s Elementary/Middle School Music teacher, working with students in PreK – grade 8, for general music classes, plus a competitive Select Choir club for middle school students. Mr. Stewart has years of experience, previously working with students at both Valley Christian School and Open Door Christian Academy.
Mrs. Susan Liegel is Phil-Mont’s High School Choir Director, working with students in grades 9-12 for the full class Choir, which includes classes 5 days per week, preparing for the concerts and competitions. She also supports the Fall Musical program as music director.
Elementary Music
Music for PK – 5th is an exciting mix of singing, making music with rhythm instruments, playing hand chimes and drums, music appreciation, theory, and performance. Folk songs, multicultural music, scripture songs, and historic hymns are used to promote skill in and enjoyment of many forms of music. Each class presents a musical drama at some time during the year. Study of a band instrument may be undertaken in fourth and fifth grades and an extracurricular choir is also available for third, fourth, and fifth grades.
Middle School Music
Middle School Music has a variety of studies and all students in grades 6-8 are part of either the concert band or music class. Music class splits time between choir and music theory covering various themes like Twentieth-Century Music, World Cultures, Western Culture and More. There are also clubs for the Select Choir, Jazz Band, and Handbells.
High School Music
Students may elect to study music in High School by joining the Band or the A Capella Choir. In choir, the students prepare music of various eras, genres, styles and cultures for concerts and festivals as well as learn about the progress of music from the Middle Ages to the present.
The study of sight-singing and music theory encourages music literacy, and healthy vocal technique is taught and practiced. Band students study and perform in small ensembles as well as the larger group. Improved technique and proficiency are evidence of excellent training and persistent practice.
Our Seniors can earn college credit in music by taking AP Music Theory.