A Reputation for Excellence

Research backs up what teachers and parents often know instinctively - the more opportunities children of all ages have to express themselves in creative, age-appropriate ways, the better they do with their studies. Similarly, the more personal interests they develop, the better they understand the world they live in and the more caring they're likely to become

South Colonie has outstanding programs in music and the arts — evidenced by the strong participation of students and the support these programs get from the wider community. Whether it's South Colonie's award-winning student musicians, the annual art shows or our student drama clubs that performs to packed audiences each year, there is much to be proud of at South Colonie when it comes to music and the arts. These pages were developed to provide an overview of our programs.

A Closer look at our programs

South Colonie Art Programs

From kindergarten through the high school level, South Colonie offers quality programs designed to explore the arts — for creative self-expression, for fun and for future career choices. LEARN MORE

South Colonie Music, Band, Orchestra and Choral Programs

Learn more about South Colonie's long-standing tradition of rich musical instruction and musical performing opportunities for children of all ages. LEARN MORE

South Colonie Drama Club Programs

South Colonie's student drama groups give students the chance to develop talents, gain confidence and work as a team to put on several outstanding community plays each year. LEARN MORE

How do the arts can benefit children?

The arts develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that can improve students' overall academic achievement and school success. These are also skills that employers say make successful workers.

Practice with creative drama has been shown to improve learning-disabled students' behavior and speaking skills.

Students who are very involved with theater also show high levels of achievement in reading.

Students who are very involved with instrumental music also show high achievement in math.

Teen boys who were considered "reluctant readers" showed more interest in reading when the content was linked with art, for example, art found in graphic novels and cartoons.

When students are allowed to use drawing and writing on history assessments, they showed a deeper understanding of the topic. This was true for both English language-proficient and English-limited students.

Weaving the arts into your days

Though the days of fingerpainting and singing the ABCs may seem long gone, there are many fun and easy ways for you to incorporate a healthy dose of the arts into your children's lives. Full story