Posted on Sun, Sep. 19, 2004
to BENSALEMMUSIC.ORG Web Site

18 years later, program still is music to his ears

Douglas Fitzgerald is Bensalem High School's director of bands and the school district's coordinator of fine arts

I consider myself very fortunate.

For 18 years, I've had the privilege of being part of the Bensalem School District music program, which serves over 80 percent of the district's 6,300 students. As director of the high school band, I witness daily the work ethic and cooperation among the district and township, the fantastic staff, and all the unbelievable students. This is the best and most exciting job a person could have.

The district provides a number of musical ensembles and activities for grades K through 12. General music classes are required through middle school. Band, choir, orchestra and theory classes are offered as electives in high school. Starting in third grade, students have the opportunity to perform in choir, band and orchestra. And we're not just talking about school assemblies. Last year, one of our elementary ensembles performed the national anthem at Phillies' and Phantoms' games. The Struble Elementary Choir performed throughout the community, including the Pennsylvania Music Education Association conference. The Shafer Middle School Band performed in New York and Baltimore.

The high school band has received numerous awards, both in national and regional competitions, but last year was our best ever.

In November, our marching band competed against more than 60 high school bands to become East Coast champions.

In January, our high school hosted the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's Regional Orchestra. More than 100 of the finest high school musicians from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including five from Bensalem, were housed here for three days while they rehearsed for a very successful concert.

In March, our high school auditorium became Broadway for four spectacular nights as student actors, musicians and stage crew presented the musical Anything Goes. Also that month, the Bensalem community was treated to an additional four days and nights of performances and exhibits during our annual Fine Arts Festival.

In April, we showcased hundreds of talented students at the 18th annual Jazz Festival and the indoor guard and drum line show.

In May, at the Tournament of Bands indoor finals in Wildwood, Bensalem swept the festival with first-place finishes in all events. The color guard, drum line and jazz ensemble each became East Coast champions. No other school in the history of the Tournament of Bands has won the fall outdoor championship as well as all three spring indoor championships.

What's the recipe for a successful music program? You start with support from your school board, then mix in a very strong parent organization, the Music Boosters, which helps in all phases of the program. Combine those efforts with community backing, adding a considerable amount of hard work, talent, dedication and commitment from staff and students, and there you have it. To say that I am proud of the students and their accomplishments would be the understatement of the century.

I firmly believe that the excellent music programs we offer teach more than musicianship and performance standards. They teach time management, commitment, dedication, perseverance and teamwork, strong values that students will use throughout their lives.