Welcome to the World of Music at Hillside!
All Hillside 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders receive music instruction twice a week for thirty minutes each. Music is taught by Mrs. Rachel Newell and her wonderful co-worker, Ms. Kate Deglans. Mrs. Newell teaches at Hillside everyday and is the lead teacher for grades 1, 3, 4, and 5. She also directs the Hillside Grade 4 and 5 Chorus and the Grade 5 Percussion Ensemble.
Mrs. Newell has been teaching music in Loudoun County for 32 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Richmond and a Master's degree in Music Education from Shenandoah University. (She is a member of the LEA, VEA, NEA, VMEA, and MENC. She is a past recipient of the Shenandoah University Teacher of the Year -1998, Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year - 2003, and Fulbright Memorial Fund trip to Japan - 2003.) She was the Summer in the Arts coordinator for Loudoun County Public School for five years - from 2004-2009. She LOVES what she does and hopes to impart her love of learning and making music to every student she encounters! She can always be reached via email at
rachel.newell@lcps.org.