Welcome to the Port Washington High School Instrumental Music Department.

On this site you will find information regarding all instrumental courses as well as all music theory courses offered at the High School. The PWHS Instrumental Music Department involves around 100 students from the high school daily. We offer such opportunities as Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, many chamber ensembles, as well as the chance to perform for Solo and Ensemble Festival every March.  Feel free to peruse the site for any information regarding the PWHS Instrumental Music Department.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Mr. Clouthier at Chris.Clouthier@pwssd.k12.wi.us .

In today's society there is so much conversation about school curriculum and the use of academic time. With an emphasis on "back to basics," it becomes increasingly more important to focus on music as it relates to this ongoing educational discussion.

Why should a young person join band?

What will it mean to his/her life?

University studies show that music education instills students with responsibility, discipline, maturing social skills, communication and analytical skills. Music students tend to possess the qualities that employers consider essential. Simply put, learning to play an instrument is a positive preparation for life. Music appeals to part of the mind that opens new horizons. The study of music supports wonderment, imagination, appreciation and sensitivity. This creativity leads to an inventive thinking style allowing the individual greater personal choices. Music is one of the few disciplines that require the individual to access both the cognitive and affective sides of the mind. Critical assessment, the ability to conceptualize and respond to any given situation, is the foundation of intelligence as it applies to living a full rich life, and music is a pathway to this intellectual pattern. The key to success is completion of the tasks at hand. Positive, productive living is based on the establishment of habits of tenacity, personal persistence, and commitment. In music, commitment is fundamental. It becomes a part of the musician's personality and transfers to every avenue of life. Participation at the level of excellence is not a personal preference in music - it is a requisite. The musician quickly discovers that it is not the destination, but the journey that counts. It is not the product, but the process. The joy of music generates further growth and understanding of our very existence.

The Port Washington High School instrumental music program is a unique organization which presents these lifeexpanding educational opportunities to students so they can further their skills and nurture personal growth and self-appreciation through an array of music activities and events, while embracing all aspects of instrumental music education (three curricular bands plus numerous extracurricular offerings and opportunities).

"We must encourage our youngsters in such pursuits as music education. In addition to learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living."

Edward H. Rensi, President & Chief Operation Officer - USA McDonald's Corporation

"We cannot forget that music is an integral part of a student's education element. We must insure that the present 'back to basic' mentality includes access to arts and music education. As we push to increase high school graduation and college entrance requirements, we must not ignore the cultural and artistic development of our students."

Paul Simon, Illinois Former U.S. Senator

"The term 'core academic subjects' means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography."

No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, Title IX, Part A, Sect. 9101 (11)

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