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District Music, Band, Orchestra and Choral Program

 

French horn playersThe South Colonie Central School District Music Education program provides a high-quality music experience to each child in our program. Music faculty and staff are committed to offering expert instructional experiences to enhance and educate our students’ musical education.

 

New York State Educational Learning Standards for Music

The New York State Education Department has established learning standards for Music denoting the skills and abilities each student should attain at various levels of his or her education - elementary, middle and high school levels. For a complete list of the learning standards for Music, click here.

General Music Instruction

South Colonie offers large group instruction of music fundamentals and music awareness and appreciation at the elementary, middle and high school levels. For more information on General Music Instruction at each grade level in the district, click here.

Band Instruction

South Colonie offers large group instrumental music instruction on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments at the middle and high school levels. For more information on band instruction at each grade level in the district, click here.

Orchestra Instruction

South Colonie offers large group instrumental music instruction on string instruments at the elementary, middle and high school levels. For more information on Orchestra instruction at each grade level in the district, click here.

Chorusorchestra singers photo Instruction

South Colonie offers large group vocal music instruction at the middle and high school levels. For more information on Chorus instruction at each grade level in the district, click here.

What Music Courses Does Colonie Central High School Offer?

Colonie Central High School offers a variety of electives and college-level courses in the Music arena including Music Appreciation, Band, Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Mixed Chorus and Music Theory. For a complete list of Music courses and course descriptions visit the high school Counseling Center or review page 18 of the High School Curriculum/Course Guide (pdf).

Parental Encouragement is Critical to Student Success in the Music Program

As a young musician, parental support and encouragement can give your child the confidence and motivation necessary to work hard toward achieving their music goals. For more information and tips on how you can help your young musician succeed, click here.

Purchasing an Instrument for My Child: Should I or Shouldn't I?

The music teachers strongly recommend NOT purchasing an instrument for your child for the first few years of study. As your child is still growing, it may be years before he or she is ready for a full-size instrument. At this point, enrolling your child in a “rent-to-own” policy through a local music store is the best option. When the time comes to purchase an instrument, please:

  • Contact your child’s music teacher in advance. They will offer some tips and advice for purchasing an instrument.

  • Purchase from a music store. Large department stores and wholesale stores do not sell quality instruments. A poor quality instrument can severely hinder your child’s progress.

The South Colonie Friends of Music

The South Colonie Friends of Music (SCFOM) is a not-for-profit organization of parents, teachers, and all interested persons whose goal is to support and enhance all areas of the South Colonie music program, and to promote an awareness and appreciation of the musical arts throughout the community. For more on the SCFOM, click here.

Colonie Town Band

Formed more than 40 years ago, the Colonie Town Band is a truly intergenerational group made up of dedicated amateur musicians ranging from teenagers (some from Colonie Central High School) to octogenarians. Sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department of the Town of Colonie, the band performs more than 20 concerts a year free of charge at community venues including nursing homes, town parks, shopping malls, museums, county fairs, schools, and more. Donations received for performances are used to fund the Frank Mooney Memorial Prize, an award benefiting a Colonie High School graduating senior.

Music Department News Stories

 

2010-2011 MUSIC NEWS STORY ARCHIVES

2009-2010 MUSIC NEWS STORY ARCHIVES

VIEW ALL SOUTH COLONIE NEWS STORY ARCHIVES

 

Saddlewood Orchestra Performs First Concert

The Saddlewood Elementary School fourth grade orchestra performed its very first concert under the direction of Dana Probeyahn on February 1. full story

Forest Park Fourth Grade Orchestra Performs Debut Concert

The Forest Park Elementary School fourth grade orchestra gave its debut performance of the 2011-2012 school year in January under the direction of Mr. Lewis. view a photo gallery

Roessleville Fourth Grade Orchestra Concert

The Roessleville Elementary School fourth grade orchestra students, conducted by Michelle Williams, presented its first concert of the school year on January 31st during a morning assembly. full story

CCHS Students Participate in Suburban Council Music Festival

Twenty-three Colonie Central High School students joined nearly 350 of the Capital Region’s most talented young musicians at Columbia High School in January, participating in the Suburban Council High School Music Festival. full story

chamber orchestra performsLisha Kill Chamber Orchestra Holiday Tunes

The Lisha Kill Middle School Grade 7-8 Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Mark Lewis performed holiday tunes at a variety of locations on December 20, starting at the South Colonie District Office. The group then took a school bus around the area to perform for senior citizens at the Glen Eddy, Bishop Broderick and the Atria of Crossgates Senior Living Center. view a photo gallery

South Colonie Friends of Music Holding Membership Drive

The South Colonie Friends of Music is holding a membership drive. In these tough economic times, area music programs need community support in order to maintain the quality of education that currently exists in the schools. By becoming a member, click here for membership form (pdf), you demonstrate a commitment to the music program and its importance in your child’s education. Membership categories begin at $15. A student-level membership is available at $5.

CCHS Music Students Participate in Area All-State Music Festival

Eighteen Colonie Central High School music students were selected to perform at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All-State Music Festival on November 18 and 19 at Saratoga Springs High School. full story

Colonie Central High School Hosts Faculty Music Recital

Colonie Central High School hosted the annual Faculty Music Recital in November, featuring South Colonie faculty and student musicians combining their talents for a charity concert. The recital raised money to support the South Colonie Friends of Music Scholarship Award. It also raised proceeds (about $200) to support the Middleburgh Central School District impacted by the recent flooding. The photos were taken by South Colonie parent Bob Marriott. view a photo gallery

CCHS musicians play chello and violinColonie High School Students Volunteer Music Talents For Haiti Fundraiser

Colonie Central High School senior, Emily Finlan, a musical cellist, and freshman, Jacquelyn O’Brien, who plays the violin, donated their time and talents in October to provide music for the Let’s Share the Sunshine Foundation Fundraiser at Pat’s Barn in Troy. The foundation's mission is to raise money to install solar panels on schools in Haiti in order to provide power for learning and living.