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Music Program at Westinghouse
Whether it’s voice or instrumental, the WAACS music department is always making music. Students join this arts-focused cohort to hone talents singing, or on strings and woodwind instruments. Frequently, our music majors cross into other areas of study to create a program that’s truly blended across focus areas with their unique talents in mind.
And their talents shine during frequent performances all year long. Musicians are featured in concerts at the school and on the road, as well as part of smaller bands, ensembles and choirs. Class delve beyond the expected routes of choir and band to include theory, production, and music technology. This ensures our students develop pivotal industry skills alongside core talents.
Our tracks include:
Vocal
Essential training for young vocalists begins with proper technique and the development of a wide repertoire of fundamental skills. With the basics in-hand, studies continue with coverage of a wide range of styles, independent instruction, meaningful feedback, audition support, and frequent performance opportunities.
Instrumental
Our students come with the basics, and develop the sophisticated skills of musicianship over four years of focused instruction and mentorship. From small bands performing at our outdoor events to large ensembles that provide the score for productions staged in our auditorium, instrumentalists in this program develop a standard of excellence that leads to distinguished careers in music.
Courses
- Vocal music
- Mixed or Concert Choir
- Vocal Repertoire
- Group Voice
- Instrumental or chamber ensemble
- Group piano
- Music production
Our Faculty Includes…
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby is a composer, arranger, and educator with a passion for large instrumental ensemble writing. He’s been honored with awards from the Tennessee Valley Music Festival and the University of Kansas. Mr. Rigby is a member of ASCAP and SCI, published by T.U.X. People’s Music, and holds a Master’s Degree in music composition. He also teaches piano and drums privately outside of school as well.
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory is a percussionist and audio engineer. He’s a member of The Pittsburgh Steeline, and drums internationally with various ensembles. Mr. Flory is the owner and percussion instructor at Monroeville Music Lesson Center, and Director of Percussion with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He produces live recordings for a number of music groups, and he’s also a PA-certified teacher holding a masters degree in music technology.
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby is a composer, arranger, and educator with a passion for large instrumental ensemble writing. He’s been honored with awards from the Tennessee Valley Music Festival and the University of Kansas. Mr. Rigby is a member of ASCAP and SCI, published by T.U.X. People’s Music, and holds a Master’s Degree in music composition. He also teaches piano and drums privately outside of school as well.
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory is a percussionist and audio engineer. He’s a member of The Pittsburgh Steeline, and drums internationally with various ensembles. Mr. Flory is the owner and percussion instructor at Monroeville Music Lesson Center, and Director of Percussion with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He produces live recordings for a number of music groups, and he’s also a PA-certified teacher holding a masters degree in music technology.
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby
Travis Rigby is a composer, arranger, and educator with a passion for large instrumental ensemble writing. He’s been honored with awards from the Tennessee Valley Music Festival and the University of Kansas. Mr. Rigby is a member of ASCAP and SCI, published by T.U.X. People’s Music, and holds a Master’s Degree in music composition. He also teaches piano and drums privately outside of school as well.
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory
Stephen Flory is a percussionist and audio engineer. He’s a member of The Pittsburgh Steeline, and drums internationally with various ensembles. Mr. Flory is the owner and percussion instructor at Monroeville Music Lesson Center, and Director of Percussion with the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He produces live recordings for a number of music groups, and he’s also a PA-certified teacher holding a masters degree in music technology.
Audition Requirements
Vocal Music
You will perform one song. Your evaluator may also go through some vocal exercises with you. Be prepared to discuss your goals as a student and a vocalist.
How to prepare:
- Memorize one song, your song should showcase various aspects of your voice or style. For example: uptempo, ballad, classical, contemporary, pop or Broadway.
- Your lyrics must be memorized, and be 2-3 minutes in length each.
- Please bring sheet music in the key you will sing in, and an accompanist will be provided. No recorded accompaniment will be accepted.
Instrumental Music
You will perform on your instrument of choice. You must bring your own instrument, unless you play the piano or drums. Be prepared to discuss your goals as a student and as a musician. Prepare to do the following at your evaluation:
- Bring your instrument and any sheet music you may need with you.
- Demonstrate two major scales of your choice.
- Perform a work of 3-5 minutes in length.
