Central Valley School District offers a well-rounded education that is rich in the arts. It is the district’s belief that the arts help develop creative skills, enhancing a student’s ability to grasp and communicate complex ideas across all curricula. In other words, the arts improve student performance in all subjects, from language to math and science.
Students at Central Valley have the opportunity to participate in performing and visual arts as part of their school day, as well as after school. Below is a sample of the offerings:
Performance Arts
Vocal music begins in the elementary school and steadily increases in complexity and rigor through middle school. In the high school, vocal electives include chorus and select choir.
Instrumental music begins in late elementary school when students have the option to begin band and orchestra lessons. Students refine their skills throughout middle school and high school having the opportunity to participate in a wide range of ensembles.
Drama begins in elementary school through classroom presentations. Middle school and high school students can ultimately participate in the acclaimed CVA musicals, which have included Bye Bye Birdie, Phantom of the Opera and Shrek the Musical.
Visual Arts
Visual arts begin in the elementary school and continue throughout high school.
The Central Valley Music Department strives for the highest possible level of performances with each of its performing groups. By participating in a performing ensemble, students will learn how to improve his or her singing/playing and be educated in a variety of musical styles through performance of various types of literature. Participation in a performing music group provides many long-term rewards that will benefit students including:
Therefore, Central Valley Music Department’s main goal is to use music as a vehicle that will allow us to better prepare students for productive, enjoyable, and successful futures.
Please contact Mark Bunce or your child’s music teacher if you need a copy of a form. Below find PDFs of the performing arts handbooks
5th & 6th Grade Ensembles Handbook
The Central Valley CSD Music Department strives to provide a foundation for life-long learners, listeners, and participants of music through a variety of musical experiences in the music classroom, rehearsals and performances. (download mission statement poster)
Fine Arts Department Chair
Mark Bunce
Central Valley Academy
111 Frederick St
Ilion, NY 13357
Phone: 315-895-7471
Email: mbunce@cvalleycsd.org
Band
Michael Fenton, Barringer Road Elementary, Central Valley Academy
Email: mfenton@cvalleycsd.org
Amy Casale, Jarvis Middle School
Email: acasale@cvalleycsd.org
Orchestra
Patrick Hughes, Barringer Road Elementary, Central Valley Academy
Email: phughes@cvalleycsd.org
Curtis Karwacki, Jarvis Middle School
Email: ckarwacki@cvalleycsd.org
Vocals/General Music
Mark Bunce, Central Valley Academy
Email: mbunce@cvalleycsd.org
Andrea Nitti, Jarvis Middle School
Email: anitti@cvalleycsd.org
Junili Arkema, Barringer Road Elementary
Email: jarkema@cvalleycsd.org
Kim Pierce, Fisher Elementary, Jarvis Middle School (6th grade)
Email: kpierce@cvalleycsd.org