Posted February 25, 2010
South Colonie Music Students Perform at 2010 Suburban Council Music Festival
Nearly 30 South Colonie music students performed at the 2010 Suburban Council Music Festival in February at Columbia High School in East Greenbush.
They joined nearly 350 of the area’s top high school musicians from 13 area school districts (Averill Park, Ballston Spa, Bethlehem, Burnt-Hills Ballston Lake, East Greenbush, Guilderland, Mohonasen, Niskayuna, North Colonie, Saratoga Springs, Scotia-Glenville, Shenendehowa and South Colonie) who were chosen to participate based on high scores from their NYSSMA solos last spring and teacher recommendation.
South Colonie was proud to have 29 students representing the district at this event.
The students will participated in a series of intense rehearsals on Friday and Saturday morning. In a span of only two short days, the students prepared a concert program of advanced musical literature.
Esteemed conductors from top university music programs and from the music industry directed the ensembles. Jo Ellen Miano, from SUNY Plattsburgh, directed the chorus; Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner, from Cornell University, directed the band; Dr. James Tapia, from Syracuse University, directed the orchestra.
Also featured on the program was a middle school jazz ensemble, which includes 19 students grades, grades 6-8, directed by Mike Carubia, professional jazz musician and retired music educator from Long Island.
Performing with the chorus were Jordan Bonney, Bridget Boland, Gina Benvenuto, Monica Rosenberg, Kevin Bohen, David Peer, Sarah Mele, Katie Mead, Elizabeth Potts, and Bridget Maloney. Performing with the band were Brett Wunsch, Kelly Walter, Cody Chamberlin, Patrick Kerin, Danielle Boncaro, Sarah Mead, Kyle Chamberlin, and Cathryn Jones. Performing with the orchestra were Taylor Carey, Tyler Degener, Katelyn Faughnan, Emily Finlan, Julianna Gigliello, Jacqueline Hsia, Katie McManus, David Phillips, Rachele Prawdzik, and Paige Weinman. Performing with the Jazz Band was Ryan Andi (Grade 7- Lisha Kill).
This festival, which celebrated the accomplishments of talented local high school musicians and the success of local school districts’ music departments, would not have been possible without the support of parents, music teachers, and school administrators.