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August 7, 2026

South Colonie Friends of Music Camp Brings Musicians of All Levels Together

A boy holding a bass reads music on a stage pictured from behind

South Colonie Friends of Music Camp ended this year’s session on a high note with a final camp performance at Colonie Central High School.

This year’s camp expanded to more than 60 rising 6th through 9th graders interested in musical arts from the South Colonie and North Colonie School Districts. The camp featured a wide range of specialties this year, including chorus, ukulele, guitar, keyboards, jazz band, and broadway dancing. Talented high school student interns also assisted with the weeklong camp.

In just one week, the student learned and performed songs like “Stand by Me,” “Soda Pop” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life” for their fellow campers. 

A young boy with brown hair plays a drum set with drumsticks.

“It’s amazing to see how much these students accomplish in just a week,” said Camp Director Michelle Cannistraci. “Bringing students of different ages and levels of skill together gives them the chance to learn, have fun, and share their passion for music.”

A young person with braided hair plays the violin with a bow, focused on the music.

The camp is sponsored by South Colonie Friends of Music and is directed by Sand Creek Middle School’s Michelle Cannistraci. South Colonie music teachers James Haertel, Erica Doran, Sarah Carney, and John Ryan also spend part of their summer vacation teaching at this camp experience, sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of performers.