Music Department
The music Department is one of the most important departments at Dallastown. It was opened in the early 1900's. The music Department has ever since become only more popular. Music at Dallastown should not have been and never shall be forgotten for it is the best of our lives. Mr. Joe Campanella was the music supervisor for Dallastown in 1951 and his wife, Mrs. Mary Jane Campanella an elementary vocalist teacher in 1964. A current general music teacher at Dallastown Middle School now is Mrs. Lisa Reilly.
Have you enjoyed working in the music department? What is it like? Mr. Joe Campanella replied, "Yes, I did enjoy the experience." Joe was a music supervisor at Dallastown, who planned for the elementary. Joe also visited the elementary schools once a week.
Mrs. Mary Jane Campanella added her statement, "It had been very hectic with no free periods." Mary Jane taught the elementary vocals morning to night with little free time.
Mrs. Lisa Reilly thoughtfully stated, "Yes, I enjoy working in the music department." Mrs. Reilly is a general music teacher and so she doesn't do programs or performances like Mrs. Moul and Mrs. McDonald.
How many years did you work at Dallastown Music Department? Was music popular when you were in school? Mr. Campanella answered, "I worked 14 years in the music department and then I went to become a principal."
Mrs. Campanella stated, "I worked there 20 years before retiring."
Mrs. Reilly replied, "I've been here about 11 years, counting maternity leaves."
To the second question, together Mr. and Mrs. Campanella both answered, "Chorus and band were about it. For chorus you had to audition though. There were really weren't much else it was either sports or music."
Mrs. Reilly recalled, "Yes, it was popular. We had a close knit group of music students. There was more memorizing than anything else." She liked it because of the friends, musicals and Mr. Yoder. Mr. Yoder was her influence, one of his groups even performed in his hometown in his church, in Turbotville, Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, these interviewees live and strive off of this subject as do many others. Some people are very much involved, such as singing in the mixed chorus, playing violin in orchestra and bass, and also play hand bells and tone chimes for senior citizens. The Music Department teaches children to understand rhythem and harmony. It also teaches children to interact and try new things involving music. The Music Department expands its materials every year.
