We provide students with passionate, interactive, and diverse curriculum. Elementary schools provide opportunities to sing, play musical instruments, present musicals, and learn the fundamentals of music theory that provide students with the knowledge and background to continue a successful musical experience at the middle and high school levels. Middle schools provide opportunities in the areas of instrumental music, choral music, general music, theatrical musicals, jazz, and solo and ensemble performances.
Students are well connected to their art and are given the skills to pursue additional musical curriculum at the high school level. The high school provides students with courses in the areas of instrumental music, choral music, music theory, jazz theory, music technology, music history, class piano, marching band, and musical theatre. Students perform often and are provided with a well rounded musical education that will provide them the needed tools to be successful after high school at either the amateur, collegiate, or professional levels they wish to pursue.
Bluestone Elementary | Jessica Strawderman
Keister Elementary | Caitlyn Higgins
Smithland Elementary | Eleanor Burns
Waterman Elementary | Carrie Neese
Spotswood Elementary | Amanda Aponte
Stone Spring Elementary | Heather Eberly
Skyline Middle School
- Instrumental Music (Band) | Jerry Philp
- Choir and General Music | Debbie Mongold
- Orchestra | Isaiah Ortiz
Thomas Harrison Middle School
- Instrumental Music (Band) | Megan Austin
- Choir and General Music | Tyler Humphries
- Orchestra | Brian Incheck
Harrisonburg High School
- Director of Bands | Daniel Upton
- Director of Choirs | Bethany Houff
- General Music | Laura Rikkers
- Orchestra | Brian Incheck
Rocktown High School
- Director of Bands | Claire Leeper
- Director of Choirs | Joel Ross
- General Music | Elizabeth Bird
- Orchestra | Joel Ross
After-School Strings Program
Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS), in partnership with the Eastern Mennonite University Preparatory Music program, offers low cost, after-school violin classes for each Elementary school!
Students in grades 4-5 may sign up for after-school violin class. Over the course of the school year, students will learn a variety of music including fun fiddle tunes, holiday songs and classical pieces. Students will gain confidence and technical skill on their instrument to prepare them for middle school orchestra and beyond!
Las clases de violín este otoño se llevarán a cabo a través de la cuenta de la escuela de su ninx.
Curricular Classes
Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to sign up for Curricular String Classes, now offered at both middle schools during the elective period! Curricular String Orchestra in grades 9-12 is offered at Harrisonburg High and Rocktown High!
The Harrisonburg High School Band and Rocktown High School Band are committed to developing life long passions for musical excellence in an environment that fosters integrity and excitement while connecting our band family to the community through performance and positive learning experiences.