On this episode of Voices, Seneca Valley spotlights a one-of-a-kind music experience, bringing a living composer into the classroom to create an original work for students. Band Director Mr. Brian Croach and composer Rob Traugh share the story behind "Pillars of Gold," a commissioned piece written specifically for the Ryan Gloyer Middle School eighth grade band. Inspired by the school’s positive behavior program, the work brings to life the core values of respect, responsibility and resilience, transforming them into a powerful and meaningful concert performance.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The Seneca Valley Band Commissioning Project
• What is "Pillars of Gold"
• The value of students working with a living composer
• The inspiration behind the piece, "Pillars of Gold"
• Where and when the concert will take place
  • Free concert - Thursday, May 7 at the Intermediate High School auditorium at 7 p.m.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Mr. Brian Croach, Instrumental Music Teacher for grades 7-12 and Mr. Rob Traugh, American composer, conductor, collaborator, educator and performer.

Mr. Brian Croach is in his ninth year of teaching and third year at Seneca Valley. He is a band director that works with students in grades 7-12 through various curricular instrumental ensembles such as the 7th grade band, 8th grade band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Winds. He is also the director of the Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Jazz Ensemble and is one of the directors for the Roaring Raider Marching Band. Mr. Croach received he undergraduate degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University and has continued his education through the Instructional Leadership program at Robert Morris University.

Mr. Rob Traugh is an Assistant Professor of Composition (Music Technology) and Program Director of the Composition for Media Degree at the Mary Pappert School of Music and conducts the Wind Symphony at the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra. Rob attended West Virginia University as a Provost Fellow, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2026. He holds a Master of Music degree in Electronic Composition from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from The Dana School of Music in Youngstown, OH.

In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that impacts families everywhere: screen time and its effects on children. Listen as Dr. Kristen White, Haine Elementary School Principal shares about the upcoming event “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” a film featuring the latest research, expert insights and practical advice for parents and guardians of elementary-aged students.

Don’t miss the free community screening of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 in the Haine Elementary School Cafeteria. This event and open to parents/guardians, staff and members of the public. Seating is limited to 400 attendees, and RSVP is encouraged. Please note: this screening is intended for adults only; students and children should not attend.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition”
• Why it's important to focus specifically on elementary-aged children when talking about screen use and digital habits
• When and where the filming event will take place
• Why parents/guardians should attend this free event
• How to register
• See below for more information:
  • "Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition"
  • RSVP

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Kristen White, Haine Elementary School Principal

With 32 years of experience in education, Dr. White emphasizes a whole-child approach to learning and is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment in which all children can succeed.

The 27th Annual Senior Holiday Event is right around the corner, and that’s music to our ears! Listen as Mike and Maxine Botti, esteemed former Seneca Valley educators and longtime attendees of the event share what makes this celebration so special, why it continues to draw hundreds each year, and how it captures the true spirit of the holidays.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is the Senior Holiday Event
• When and where the event takes place
• What makes the Senior Holiday Event so special and why it's important to attend
• RSVPs are required by Dec. 15. Please call 724-452-6040, ext. 0 to reserve your spot.
• See below for more information:
  • Senior Holiday 2025 flyer

SPECIAL GUESTS
Mr. Mike Botti, former principal of Evans City Elementary/Middle School and Mrs. Maxine Botti, former Seneca Valley elementary teacher

Mr. Botti graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1965. Prior to graduating, he was hired to teach science in the sixth-grade building in Zelienople. Over the next 35 years he taught science at Rowan and Evans City Elementary/Middle Schools. He later became assistant principal of Evans City Elementary/Middle School then finished his career as principal. "Being hired by Seneca Valley was one of the greatest blessings of my life," said Mr. Botti.

Mrs. Botti graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1964. She taught third grade at Cranberry Elementary. Throughout her 35 years, she taught in all of Seneca Valley's Elementary Schools as a first-grade teacher. "I feel that choosing to be a teacher was the best career I could have chosen," said Mrs. Botti. "There was never a day I regretted my decision. I loved my job, my students and their parents."