Both Colonie school districts have been recognized nationally as some of the best communities in the country for music education programs.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) released their list of the best-ranked communities for music education in the country. South Colonie made the list for the second year in a row, and North Colonie made the list for its fourth consecutive year.
Despite dealing with financial hardships and cuts to staffing, South Colonie remains competitive in the music department.
“Last year, we lost two music teachers to the budget, but were able to maintain the programs. It was kind of bittersweet finding out we won because the same day we won the award, we found out a teacher may be lost. But with the increased money coming back, hopefully that can change,” said Chairman of the South Colonie Music Department Peter Cannistraci.
Cannistraci stressed that he knows the school board is in a tough spot with funding and that the board does the best it can with what it has
“The Board of Education is extremely supportive of us, and many of the board members have children in one of the music programs. We regularly see them at our concerts, and many of them are part of the South Colonie Friends of Music, which is kind like the PTA,” said Cannistraci.
Cannistraci said that the Friends of Music advocate for music programs and support and enhance the program by being active behind the scenes. The Friends of Music also provide awards and scholarships and after-concert receptions.
“South Colonie and our superintendent, Jonathan Buhner, have a real philosophy of teaching the whole student, not just math and science. We’re teaching them to be well rounded by demonstrating the importance of what are often considered exploratory subjects,” said Cannistraci.
The Best Communities for Music Education is in its 15th year and recognizes school districts that demonstrate exceptional efforts to maintain high-quality music education programs as part of their main curriculums.
Over 2000 school districts across the country applied to NAMM for the prestigious recognition, and only 376 schools were selected. Nearly a third of the schools are in New York state.
“We do have stronger music programs than most other states. … It’s one of the reason I live here.” said North Colonie District Music Supervisor Deborah Keough.
“We have a fabulous staff of 22 music teachers who do exceptional work with our students,” said Keough.
Keough said the students are introduced to music in classes that begin in kindergarten, and the students can start learning an instrument in fourth grade band or orchestra. All fifth- and sixth-grade students participate in chorus.
“I think the opportunities that we provide for children to experience performances as young musicians help them to see excellence in performance of others. I sometimes tell my staff that children need to see excellence to imagine it for themselves,” said Keough.
The South Colonie music department is as busy as ever, and there is no shortage of interest in the programs from the students.
“We’re doing great things. We have extremely large numbers of students involved in our music programs — 1,600 students involved in performing groups, band, orchestra and chorus in grades four to 12. More than 70 percent of our middle school students are involved in performing groups. Our fourth grade beginning strings program has 50 percent of students. What our teachers can do in a short period of time is amazing, and it’s a great thing,” said Cannistraci.
Both districts stress the fundamental role that the community and the administration play in how successful the programs are.
“The most important promoter of music in North Colonie comes from the parents, the community, the Board of Education and the administration,” said Keough.
“I’m so extremely proud of our community. I’ve always known (the) South Colonie music department is an important part of it because our community is so supportive of us. We have the finest teachers out there, great students and a great administration. We do so many concerts throughout the year, and we have a really nice things going on here that I’m very proud to be a part of,” said Cannistraci.