The Naturals performing at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Click Here for more pics.

Welcome to the Music Department
       The New Hope-Solebury Elementary Band is comprised of 140 students in grades 3 through 5.  The students receive one 30 minute lesson per week in a small group setting.  They also rehearse once per week at 8AM as an entire group.  The group has grown tremendously over the past few years.  In fact, 87% percent of the students at the UES are involved in a music performing group of some kind. 
There are 3 different bands at the UES:

The students perform in the Winter Concert in December as well as the Spring Concert in May.
Classes:

Weekly general music classes for all students in grades 3 - 5, taught by Ms. Van Praag
Weekly instrument lessons for students in grades 3 – 5, taught by Mr. Sasala and Mr. Wehr

“The Naturals”
Overview
“The Naturals” Chorus is directed by Ms. Van Praag.  “The Naturals” is an optional performing group that meets once a week before school.  All 4th and 5th grade students are welcome to join.  There are no auditions.  “The Naturals” perform in a Winter and Spring in-school concerts as well as many other fun performances.

Click here for June 2008 NATURALS SCHEDULE

Click here for Naturals Spring Packet 2008

Join the mailing list
To join “The Naturals” mailing list, send an email to EVanPraag@nhsd.org with the subject Mailing List.

Concert schedule

UES Spring Band Concert - May 6th, 7PM, LGI. 

Students will wear their band shirts for this performance. 

Naturals/Orchestra Spring Concert – May 8, 2008

Drum Circle Group
Drum Circle Group, or D.C.G. is facilitated by Ms. Van Praag.  This is not a public performance group, but an optional jam session group that meets after school on Mondays/DrumDays.  All 4th and 5th grade students are welcome to join.  The D.C.G. is for students who love to drum!

 

Personal info

Ms. Van Praag has been teaching in the New Hope-Solebury School District for 6 years.  She graduated from University of the Arts with a BM in Vocal Performance, and an MAT in Music Education.
Ms. Van Praag loves teaching music.  She also enjoys singing and playing the piano.  When she is not at school, she can be found performing and spending time in the recording studio.

Mr. Wehr, the New Hope Solebury Orchestra Director, teaches string lessons and orchestra classes to students in grades 3 through 12 in the High School, Middle School, and Upper Elementary School. Mr. Wehr recieved his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Ithaca College, a Master's Degree from Temple University, and his teaching certification from Towson University. As a performer, Mr. Wehr has performed all over the United States, South America, and Canada. He has performed with the New World Symphony, Haddonfield Symphony, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, Reading Symphony, Delaware Symphony, and many other orchestras. He has worked with noted musicians such as Gerard Schwatz, Hans Graf, Luis Biava, and John Hood. He has performed for musicians such as Hal Robinson, Ed Barker, Jeff Turner, and Edgar Meyer. Mr. Wehr has taught in the Southern York County School District and the Baltimore County School District. Mr. Wehr lives in Lansdale, PA with his wife Jordan.

Mr. Sasala has been teaching at New Hope-Solebury for 7 years.  Prior to coming to New Hope, he taught High School Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band in Western Pennsylvania.  He graduated in 1999 from IUP with a degree in music education.  He loves living in the woods with his wife Cheryl and his son Hunter.