District News

Backed by more than a century of student and staff enthusiasm as well as community support, the Lancaster Central School District’s Music Department plans to continue its work creating the soundtrack of the lives of students, staff, families and the Lancaster community.

“I’m so proud to say that here at Lancaster, it’s written in our DNA that music and the arts are a very important fabric of our lives,” said Dan DeAngelis, the department’s chairman.

The District’s Board of Education had the opportunity to hear the department’s story from its first mentions to its current successes during its meeting on December 9, 2024.

DeAngelis began his presentation with a program listing the music planned for Lancaster’s third-ever commencement in 1899, along with a newspaper clipping from 1913 that mentioned music and art offerings as part of Lancaster having the “most complete village school in Erie County.” “Even from the beginning, music has been integral to our community,” he said. His remarks covered the wide range of offerings available to students, from elementary choruses to school, regional and statewide musical performance opportunities at the high school level. Students and performance groups from Lancaster have won a wide range of awards and competitions, and Lancaster has consistently been recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation.

DeAngelis also shared testimonials from students past and present who found identity and joy through their music studies, along with parents who considered the district’s music program as they decided where to live in Western New York.

DeAngelis’ remarks included mentions of prominent staff of the Music Department, from state-recognized teachers to individuals who launched regional music organizations and performance groups. Many retirees from the Department have continued to serve as substitutes, he said. He also shared a spotlight on former music students who have gone on to success as music educators, performers and professionals in a wide range of settings.

Looking toward the future, DeAngelis shared his hopes for expanded opportunities, improved rehearsal and performance spaces and a continued tradition of excellence for music education. Key to that is the strong support from the district’s Board of Education, administrators and the community.

“It’s what the students want, a strong music program is what the teachers want for their students, and it’s what the community wants,” DeAngelis said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our program and our students.”

Following his remarks, members of the 5th and 6th Grade Jazz Ensemble at William Street School performed for community members in attendance for the meeting.

Michael Sage, Board of Education President, stressed the importance of music as part of students’ overall education and growth.

“Music and arts and extracurriculars and athletics are so important to keep kids engaged,” Sage said. “Thank you to all the teachers that pour their hearts into this, and for making sure our students have all the things they need.”

This article ran as part of the Lancaster Central School District 2025 Winter Newsletter. View the full newsletter at https://bit.ly/42CThD9