Music at a Glance

Bay Shore has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence and provides students with meaningful opportunities to grow as musicians, performers and leaders.  From general music to award-winning ensembles, our programs inspire creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music. 
 

Elementary Music
Students participate in General Music, where they build foundational skills in rhythm, melody, listening, singing, and musical expression. Beginning in Grade 4, students are encouraged to begin instrumental study. Elementary ensemble opportunities include Chorus, Band, and Orchestra.

Middle School Music
Middle school students continue to build music skills through a wide range of general music experiences. Students may also participate in Band, Choir, and Orchestra, while strengthening music literacy through Music Theory. Additional co-curricular opportunities may include Jazz Band and Jazz Choir. 

High School Music
High school students may continue their music pathways through Choir, Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band.Additional electives such as Multimedia, Music Theory, and IB Music are also available for interested students. Our department has many co-curricular opportunities including Chamber Orchestra,Harmonaires, Show Stoppers, and two Jazz Bands. 

Visual Arts at a Glance

The Bay Shore Visual Arts program provides a rich K–12 experience where students develop creative expression, technical skill, visual literacy, design thinking, and personal voice through meaningful artmaking experiences.

From early elementary exploration through advanced high school coursework, students are encouraged to experiment with materials, think creatively, reflect on their work, and share their ideas through the visual arts.

Elementary Visual Arts

Students participate in Visual Arts instruction beginning in kindergarten, where they explore foundational concepts such as line, shape, color, texture, form, pattern, and composition. Through age-appropriate artmaking experiences, students build creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving, observation, and confidence as young artists.

Middle School Visual Arts

Middle school students continue to develop their artistic skills through a variety of materials, techniques, and creative challenges. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, design, art history, aesthetics, and critique while beginning to make more personal and intentional artistic choices.

High School Visual Arts

High school students may continue their visual arts pathways through a range of studio-based courses, advanced coursework, the Humanities program, and International Baccalaureate opportunities in Visual Arts. Students develop technical skill, creative voice, portfolio pieces, and a deeper understanding of artmaking as both personal expression and communication, while also exploring connections between art, history, literature, culture, and critical thinking.

Co-Curricular & Extracurricular Opportunities at a Glance

Bay Shore students have many opportunities to extend their arts experiences beyond the classroom. Through music, theater, visual arts, and student organizations, students can perform, create, collaborate, lead, and build community throughout the school year.

Theater & Drama
Theater is a vibrant part of the Bay Shore student experience, offering students opportunities to perform, collaborate, build confidence, and contribute to a creative ensemble community. Through productions and related theater experiences, students develop skills in acting, singing, stage presence, storytelling, communication, responsibility, and teamwork.

Whether on stage, backstage, or supporting a production, students are encouraged to take creative risks, share their voices, and find a sense of belonging through the arts.

Music Ensembles & Vocal Groups
Students in our music programs may have opportunities to participate in additional music groups that extend beyond the regular school day and support continued growth in performance, musicianship, collaboration, and leadership.

Opportunities may include

Jazz Bands
Jazz Choir
Chamber Orchestra
Harmonaires
Show Stoppers

Visual Arts Opportunities
Students may participate in visual arts opportunities that support creativity, collaboration, school culture, and community engagement beyond the classroom.

Opportunities may include

Art Club
School and district wide exhibitions
Outside exhibitions and contests
Community art projects

Tri-M Music Honor Society
Tri-M Music Honor Society recognizes student musicians for achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to music. Students participate in activities that support music, school culture, and community connection.

NYSSMA at a Glance

NYSSMA provides students with the opportunity to prepare and perform music for feedback through an organized festival experience. Participation supports musical growth, goal-setting, confidence, and individual musicianship. Students work with their music teachers to determine appropriate selections, preparation expectations, and festival readiness.

What is NYSSMA?

NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association, sponsors music festivals where students may perform prepared music, scales, and sight-reading for evaluation and feedback. Participation gives students the opportunity to grow as musicians and receive comments that support continued progress.
 

Who Can Participate? 

Students and families should work directly with their music teacher to determine readiness, appropriate level, repertoire, registration requirements, accompanist needs, and festival expectations. Students must use original music when required; photocopies are not permitted. Festival dates, locations, deadlines, fees, and procedures may vary each year.
 

Preparation Expectations

Students should expect to prepare consistently over time. Preparation may include:

• selecting an appropriate solo or ensemble piece

• practicing scales or rudiments, where applicable

• developing sight-reading skills

• working with a teacher or accompanist, when needed

• reviewing festival procedures and performance expectations
   

Why Participate?

NYSSMA participation can help students build confidence, strengthen independent musicianship, receive constructive feedback, and set personal goals. For some students, NYSSMA may also support consideration for additional music opportunities, including regional and state-level ensembles.
 

Festival Information

Festival dates, locations, registration deadlines, fees, accompanist information, and arrival procedures may vary each year. Families should review the current NYSSMA information  at the links below ( please note links will be updated when information is available

NYSSMA Link

[NYSSMA Registration Information]
[Current Festival Dates/Locations]
[NYSSMA Manual / Approved Music Information]
[Accompanist Information, if applicable]

Summer Music

Summer Music provides students with opportunities to continue developing their musicianship in a supportive summer setting. Through instrumental and/or vocal experiences, students can strengthen skills, build confidence, and remain connected to music learning during the summer months.

Students may have opportunities to develop technique, practice ensemble skills, prepare music, and continue growing as musicians alongside their peers.
 

Summer Art

Summer Art gives students opportunities to explore creative expression, experiment with materials and techniques, and continue developing their artistic voice. These experiences encourage hands-on artmaking, imagination, problem-solving, and confidence beyond the traditional school year.

Students may engage in projects that support creativity, skill development, visual thinking, and personal expression in a relaxed and engaging summer environment.

Lynn Clark Summer Players

Lynn Clark Summer Players offers students an opportunity to participate in theater through rehearsal, performance, collaboration, and production-based experiences. Students build confidence, develop performance skills, and become part of a creative ensemble community.

Through the production process, students may explore acting, singing, stage presence, teamwork, responsibility, and creative problem-solving while working toward a shared performance experience.