PV Music Program
Pleasant Valley High School offers a wide variety of both instrumental and vocal music programs. Below you can find more information outlining the Pleasant Valley School District's music programs, and/or by visiting a programs official website. If you have additional questions regarding a particular program, please feel free to e-mail the corresponding program contact(s), or by contacting the school directly.
HS Band
The Pleasant Valley High School Band Department offers a balanced music curriculum, with an emphasis on the development of individual life-long skills and concepts through performance of the highest quality literature. Students in the Pleasant Valley High School Band have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles including Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Musical Pit Orchestra, Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir, and many others.
Instrumental Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Teacher
Assistant Band Director
Instrumental Music Teacher
HS Orchestra
The High School Orchestra, directed by Robert Swinney, meets during the 7th period. Students receive course credit for participation in the orchestra. The High School Orchestra made its debut performance for the Pleasant Valley PTA’s at the October 2002 meeting. Since then, the High School orchestra has built a reputation of demonstrating sophisticated music at various functions in the Quad City Area. The PV High School Orchestra accepts invitations to perform for the public.
Orchestral Strings Teacher
HS Vocal Music
The PVHS Vocal Music Department offers opportunities to over 200 students. Ensembles include four curricular ensembles (Pleasant Valley Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble, and Chamber Choir) and four extra-curricular Jazz Choirs, as well as seasonal auditioned Bass and Treble Choirs. The groups are directed by Meg Byrne, David Baxter, Catherine Lyon, with accompanist Sheila Doak and voice instructor Tom Booth.
Students in our ensembles perform in up to 5 concerts per year, participate in IHSMA Solo & Ensemble and Large Group Festivals, and sing at special events. They also may travel on the Choir Trip every other year, where destinations have included Orlando, Los Angeles, and New York City, including a 2003 performance at Carnegie Hall. Students in the PVHS choirs have received many state, regional, and national honors, including annual Division I ratings, placement of students in Opus, ACDA Honor Choirs, the All-State Chorus, and All-State Jazz Choir.
JH Band
Pleasant Valley Junior High is a thriving school that includes over 300 band students in grades 7 and 8. We have two 8th grade concert bands that rehearse everyday, jazz band, and each student receives an individual lesson once per week.
Band Teacher
Music Teacher
JH Orchestra
The Junior High Orchestra is comprised of approximately 50 7th and 8th grade students. It is directed by Lauryn Deets, and it meets during 3rd period at the Junior High School. Seventh graders attend orchestra on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, alternating with study hall. Eighth graders rehearse every day. Every student also receives a 15 minute individual or small group lesson once a week at his/her scheduled time. This is the first instance of orchestra being a curricular course, which can be a difficult transition for some students.
Through this course, students will improve their abilities on their instrument, perform challenging music of various genres, strengthen skills such as teamwork and cooperation, and learn some basic music theory. Please do not hesitate to contact the director with questions or concerns.
Orchestral Strings Teacher
JH Intermediate Orchestra
The Intermediate Orchestra, directed by Sara Tinsman, is comprised of elementary school students with at least one year of playing experience (typically 5th and 6th grade students). The Intermediate Orchestra meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. at the Jr. High School.
Similarly to Beginning Orchestra, the students are shuttled back to their respective schools via the activity bus after rehearsal.
Orchestra Teacher
JH Vocal Music
The PVJH vocal music department consists of over 200 students in three curricular choirs: The 7th Grade Tenor/Bass Choir, the 7th Grade Soprano/Alto Choir, the 8th Grade Tenor/Bass Choir, and the 8th Grade Soprano/Alto Choir. These choirs are open to any student who wishes to sing.
In addition to the four curricular choirs, there is an auditioned Chorale Choir that rehearses outside of the school day, usually consisting of between 50 and 60 singers.
All PVJH choirs perform four concerts each year; fall, winter and spring concerts that are all-choral at the junior high, and as part of the District Choral Festival at the high school during third quarter. Each year there are PVJH students chosen to sing in the ICDA Opus Honor Choirs in the fall and the SEICDA Honor Choir in the spring.
Vocal Music Teacher
Vocal Music Teacher
Elementary Band
The PV Band program starts beginning band students during the summer after the students' 5th grade year in a five week beginning band program. Once the school year starts, each of the five PVCSD elementary schools operates its own band which will perform for various school functions throughout the year.
The five elementary bands combine as a district 6th grade band for the final performance of the year.
Instrumental Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Teacher
Elementary Beginning Orchestra
The beginning orchestra is made up of students with no prior playing experience. Students enrolled in the beginning orchestra meet at Pleasant Valley Jr. High School at 7:30 a.m on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Students may ride the Jr. High bus from their home bus stop or their parents may bring them to the Jr. High School. Activity buses transport students back to their home elementary school after orchestra class. Beginning orchestra students receive a 15 minute inpidual or small group lesson during the school day once a week in addition to orchestra classes. The beginning class rehearses as one large group.
Orchestra Teacher
5/6th Grade Choir
5/6th grade choirs are taught at each elementary school. More information to come!