A
SOUND
like
no other
ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM
Music is vital to every child’s education for its inherent aesthetic, historical and cultural value. If music is an inseparable part of our culture, then it should be an inseparable part of our school life.
The Music Essential years at TCS provides each student with a solid foundation of musical skills centered on a rotation through a number of musical experiences. Students will become aware of how the different musical elements interact to create musical ideas and thoughts.
Early Childhood & Elementary Music Curriculum
At TCS, our music program is designed as a progressive journey. We build a foundation of rhythm and vocal health in the early years, transitioning into specialized instrumental instruction as students mature.
Kindergarten: Finding the Voice
Kindergartners begin their musical journey by exploring the three pillars of performance: singing, movement, and instrumentation. * Vocal Development: Students learn proper singing posture, vocal range, and how to protect and use their "singing voice."
-
Rhythm & Pulse: Through dance and hands-on play with percussion instruments, students establish a steady beat and develop foundational rhythmic coordination.
First Grade: Bridging to Strings
First graders expand their musical literacy by blending vocal performance with introductory instrumental techniques.
-
The Ukulele: Students are introduced to the ukulele to develop the fine motor skills and finger dexterity essential for orchestral play.
-
Orff Ensemble: Using Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels), students master key musical concepts through collaborative play.
Second Grade: Introduction to Winds & Strings
In Second Grade, the curriculum diversifies to include both the String and Wind families, preparing students for the formal Instrumental Music Program.
-
Winds (The J-Horn): Students learn the fundamentals of brass and woodwind play, focusing on breath control and finger coordination.
-
Strings (The Violin): Building on their ukulele experience, students transition to the violin to refine their technique and posture.
Third – Fifth Grade: The Instrumental Music Program
Starting in 3rd Grade, music becomes a core technical discipline. Every student joins the Instrumental Music Program, selecting either a string or band instrument for specialized study.
-
Consistent Practice: Students receive dedicated instrumental lessons three days per week.
-
Mastery & Application: All the rhythmic, vocal, and motor fundamentals built in K–2 are put into practice as students learn to read complex scores and perform in an ensemble setting.
MIDDLE GRADES MUSIC PROGRAM
The Conservatory School Middle School (TCSMS) is dedicated to providing high-quality music instruction and boasts an impressive record of student accomplishments.
🎼 Our Music Program Highlights
At TCSMS, we provide students with the tools and environment they need to excel:
-
Expert Faculty: Instruction is led by Ms. Rand (Band) , Ms. Nadal (Strings) , and Ms. Panozzo (Vocal).
-
Dedicated Instruction: Students receive 100 minutes of music instruction every other day.
-
Artist-in-Residence: Our program features an Artist-in-Residence who provides small group instruction with instrument masters.
-
Palm Beach Symphony Residency: Students benefit from a residency with the Palm Beach Symphony, including weekly coaching sessions and performances at TCS.
-
Instrument Access: High-quality instruments are assigned to every student.
-
Specialized Classes & Electives:
-
Music Theory Class is offered for 6th grade.
-
Students can choose Jazz and Chamber electives.
-
⭐ Accomplishments & Performance Opportunities
TCSMS students regularly participate in prestigious events and achieve high honors:
Concert Series & Assessments
-
Students participate in the TCS Annual Concert Series (Fall, Winter, Spring) at Palm Beach Gardens High School (PBGHS).
-
They also engage in various Music Performance Assessments (MPA), including:
-
Jazz, Orchestra Solo & Ensemble MPA.
-
Band Concert MPA, Orchestra Concert MPA, and Band Solo & Ensemble MPA.
-
Honors Ensemble Selections
Our students consistently earn spots in top regional and state ensembles:
-
All-State: All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, All-State Chorus.
-
All-County: All-County Jazz Band, All-County Band, All-County Orchestra, All-County Chorus.
Recent Accolades (2025)
Our students received numerous Superior and Excellent ratings in the 2025 MPAs:
-
Band Solo & Ensemble: 33 Superiors & 22 Excellents.
-
Strings Solo and Ensemble: 62 Superiors & 52 Excellents.
-
Honors Ensembles: Recognition includes a 2025 All State Flutist, a 2025 All State Bassist, and a 2025 All-County Jazz Band Saxophonist.
For more information regarding the application and audition process, please click here.
*Students must meet eligibility requirements.
TALENT LIKE NO OTHER
Essi
Nadal
Strings Director
Ms. Essilevi Nadal is an active teacher and performer in South Florida. She has served on the cello faculty of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (2014-2016), Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (2011), Lynn Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division (2010-2012) and the Schwob School of Music Preparatory Division (2006-2008). She has performed with many of the area’s leading ensembles including: Miami Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Americas, Palm Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Dominican National Symphony Orchestra.
Natalia
Panozzo
Strings &
MS Vocal Director
Miss Natalia R. Panozzo is a dedicated musician, educator, volunteer, and creative professional. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education (K–12) from Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she was recognized for her leadership and service.
Kathy
Towler
Band Director
Kathleen L. Towler, a National Board Certified Teacher in Early/Middle Childhood/Music/
Band since 2003, earned her Bachelor of Music degree with endorsements in Music Theory and Music History from Michigan State University. She has been teaching instrumental music for 35 years at the elementary and secondary level. She taught in Michigan, South Dakota, New Jersey, and Illinois before coming to Florida. She was a W.T. Dwyer Award Nominee, in 2004 and was awarded the “I Make a Difference” Teacher of Excellence Award in 2005.
Gina
Rand
Band Director
Gina Rand was born and raised in Wellington, Florida. She first became introduced to music in fifth grade when she began playing piano before joining her school band and picking up clarinet the following year. She attended the University of South Florida and graduated with her bachelor’s in Music Education in 2022.
Ethan Lenczycki
Band Director
Mr. Ethan Lenczycki was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. He started in music when he was in the sixth grade with his primary instrument being the Euphonium. He earned his bachelor’s in music education from the University of South Florida, graduated in 2020. Since graduating from USF and moving back to Palm Beach Gardens, he has been an active performer in the community.