MERRIMACK – The Gate City Charter School for the Arts in Merrimack is expanding music instruction by teaming up with Nashua-based music school, North Main Music.

"Working with North Main Music School will allow our students access to multiple music instructors, each with their own specialties and unique talents," said Gate City Director Karin Cevasco.

The arts-integrated charter school opened last year with one part-time music teacher who taught general music class, chorus and band. After reaching out to music schools, Gate City chose North Main Music to facilitate the music program.

"Our team of instructors has extensive relevant experience and a strong commitment to working collaboratively with Gate City Charter School to achieve its goals," said Mike McAdam, director of North Main Music in an August statement.

Being an arts-integrated school, students use creative expression to demonstrate what they learn in class projects.

"We’ve been having a blast brain-storming and researching ideas for creating our curriculum and we can’t wait to put it into practice in September," said McAdam.

Students will now learn music theory beginning in kindergarten, Cevasco said.

"Students will learn keyboard, guitar, voice, and drumming integrated with all aspects of our academic curriculum, leading to a deep appreciation of music and music history," she said.

For the 2015-2016 school year, each grade will receive two music classes per week, and North Main Music instructors will direct an all-school chorus and after-school band and ensemble programs.

"We are looking forward to a school chorus that incorporates high-quality vocal instruction. Jazz band will allow a performance opportunity that keeps students excited about music," said Cevasco.

"We also are incorporating aspects of digital recording and editing of music through computer technology. It is going to be a wonderful school year through the arts," she said.

Gate City Charter School, located near the YMCA in Merrimack, will open Monday, Aug. 31.

North Main Music teachers will also collaborate with classroom teachers to include music-related activities into coursework through music and dance.

The public charter school opened in fall 2014 and includes kindergarten through eighth-grade classes. North Main Music offers music instruction for kids and adults. More on North Main Music is online at www.north
mainmusic.com.

Tina Forbes can be reached at 594-6402, tforbes@nashuatelegraph. com or @Telegraph_TinaF.

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