Music

Music is taught at PS 84 as a core subject to every student regardless of talent or ability, and as a means of supporting learning in other areas.

All students learn basic music theory, such as rhythm, form, note reading, steady beat, harmony, timbre, texture, etc. Each year, students expand on each musical element to grow their musicianship.

Our music teachers collaborate with classroom teachers so that music may reinforce learning and development in all areas. Through musical learning, they help students be socially, emotionally, and academically ready for the future, whether it be learning basic musical concepts in general music class, performing in the musical, or being a part of an ensemble (concert band, orchestra, chorus, glee club, pop music combo, and the musical).

Our annual Winter and Spring concerts serve as a showcase for this work, which continues throughout the school year. Each year, students in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to perform a musical in March. Each ensemble also has extra performance opportunities throughout the school year.

Meet the Teachers

Mrs. Gonzalez

Amanda Gonzalez is an accomplished pianist and violinist originally from Albany, New York. She majored in music at Hunter College, and later obtained her teaching certificate and Master's degree in music education at Queens College.

Mrs. Gonzalez began teaching at PS 84 in 2016, bringing fun, creativity, and energy to the music classroom through various musical pedagogies, games and literature. Her experience in early childhood education makes her the perfect music teacher for our youngest students.

Having worked in the not-for-profit sector and being an active member of various music educator organizations, Mrs. Gonzalez believes that all students are able to accomplish musical learning and creativity through quality music education .

She directs some of our ensembles and co-directs the 5th Grade Musical.

Mr. Licari

John Licari is originally from the Hudson Valley and has a BA degree in Music and an MA degree in Music Education. 

He began working as a music teacher in 2011. In 2015 he arrived at PS 84, where he teaches the upper grades and directs the bands, and co-directs the pop music combo and 5th Grade Musical.  

For over 15 years he has played drums for numerous punk rock bands and has been a percussionist for the Professional Musicians of Orange County—a collection of musicians who are hired to perform in various parades across the Greater New York area. He also moonlights as a freelance music copyist, composer, and arranger.

Ensembles

These extra-curricular classes are offered as before- or after-school programs.

Chorus

For 2nd-5th grade students who enjoy singing. The chorus attends American Young Voices every year.

Glee club

For middle school students who love to sing. 

Concert Band

Beginner Band: For 4th-5th grade students who would like to play the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. 

Intermediate Band: For 5th-8th grade students continuing on their band instruments.

String Orchestra

For 4th-5th grade students who would like to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass.  

Pop Music Combo

Rock group where middle school students learn how to play rock instruments such as the electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, drum kit, and ukulele.