Bensalem High School
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| Established | 1969 |
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| School type | Public |
| Principal | Francis J. Perry |
| Students | approx. 4,000 |
| Location | 4319 Hulmeville Road Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 |
| Information | (215) 750-2800 ext. 3000: Phone |
| Website | Bensalem Township School District High School profile page |
Bensalem High School is a public high school in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
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[edit] History
Planning for the original Bensalem Township High School began in 1920 with the acquisition of land adjoining the school property known as the Cornwells Heights Elementary School, at 2400 Bristol Pike. A. Oscar Martin, registered architect, of Doylestown, Pa., was selected to design a building along the lines and scope established by the Board of Education. Mr. Martin had years of experience in designing school buildings. The architect prepared drawings in 1920, using the existing two-story stone building of two classrooms as a nucleus. He developed a progressive planning system of which one unit was constructed that same year. It consisted of one classroom and one end of the central corridor.
After final installments and improvements, the building was formally dedicated and opened in March of 1930. At the time, only 212 had enrolled in the school.
Later, a new Bensalem High School was built; the old one being made into Neil A. Armstrong Middle School, with a new capacity for 6,000 students and about 3x as much space as the previous school. This building was dedicated November of 1968, and opened in 1969.
[edit] Features
The building is two stories high, also with a large underground floor (personel only) and features:
- Ten business education rooms
- Thirty eight standard classroms
- A music center; with:
- Two band rooms
- an orchestra room
- a choir room
- and several practice/private tutoring rooms
- A metal shop
- A wood shop
- Power mechanics shop
- Metal drawing room
- A library fit to handle 25,000 volumes
- Cafeterias A, B, and C (fit to handle 1000 students together)
- An auditorium to seat 2,000
- Earth-Sciences room
- Sewing room
- Four seminar/meeting rooms
- Audion
- Full-sized gymnasium
- Smaller gymnasium
- Nurse's office + suite
- Administrative/guidance/personnel offices
- A Pool going to 10' w/ six lanes and six diving blocks.
This is an incomplete list
[edit] Performing Arts
Acting/Performing
Besides the various talent shows and events scattered across the years, Bensalem HS puts on one musical each year. Students also attend the Pennsylvania Thespian Conference each year, sometimes bringing a one-act.
The most recent show was Cinderella, with parts from all grade levels involved, accompanied by a small adult "orchestra" (comprised of no more than 10 musicians).
Marching Band
The Bensalem High School Marching Band is a Group 3 performing and competing marching band. It has in recent years held very high places in the ACC competitions, and last took 1st place in their 2003 season.
The band is funded by the participants (children + parents), through payments and fund raising. The School District of Bensalem Township also contributes little more than 12% of costs, usually covering instrument rentals and repair, and not transportation. The group is supported by the Bensalem HS Music Boosters and run by directors of the band.
In 2006, the Marching Band budget accounted for more than 90% of the band budget, leading to the Jazz, Indoor Drumline, and Wind programs to be cancelled. This action may be reversed, however, if proficient fundraising is made.
[edit] Recent shows
2003 - The Lost Continent of Atlantis (songs unknown) - Placed: 1st & TIA All-Chapter Champions
2004 - Ride - Placed: 4th TOB Region Championships
- Songs:
- Ride
- Call of the Mountain
- Koldoon
2005 - Reflections - Placed: 2nd Regional AAC's
- Songs:
- Reflections of Form
- Reflections of Sound
- Reflections of Light
2006 - Cirque du Soleil: Quidam - Placed 23rd (T.O.B)
- Songs:
- Atmadja
- Ninkou Latora
- Quidam
- Incantation
[edit] Clubs/Extra Curriculars
Bensalem High School has a variety of clubs and after school activities for the attending students including:
- Multicultural club
- Choir (taking class is required)
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- Freshman Choir
- Women's Choir (females grade 10-12)
- Concert Choir (Grades 10-12 male and female, auditions necessary)
- Men's Choir (meets after school, male only, grades 10-12, auditions necessary)
- feminus vocalus (meets after school, females only, auditions, grades 9-12)
- Band (class is required)
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- Jazz Band
- Concert Band
- Indoor Drumline
- Woodwind Band
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- Total Orchestra
- Freshman Orchestra
- Upperclassman Orchestra
- FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
- Model UN
- Ski Club
- Mock Trial
- Chess Club
- Debate Team
[edit] See also
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