Hitting the high notes
COLONIE — The South Colonie Central School District has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation, marking the 12th time the district has received the national distinction for its comprehensive and sustained commitment to music instruction.
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide access to music education for all students. This year, just 935 of the more than 18,000 eligible school districts across the United States earned the designation, placing South Colonie among the top five percent.
“South Colonie is proud to be part of that 5 percent,” said Peter Cannistraci, music department chairperson. “Music education is a huge part of the South Colonie curriculum. All students in kindergarten through grade seven take music classes, and band, orchestra and chorus begin in grade five and continue through high school.”
Currently, more than 1,500 students are enrolled in a music ensemble at South Colonie, and three members of the Class of 2025 have been accepted into college music programs.
To qualify for the national recognition, districts submitted detailed information on program funding, participation, instructional time, staffing, facilities and community support. The data was reviewed and verified by school officials and evaluated by arts education research firm WolfBrown.
“South Colonie is so proud of our incredible music department,” said Rachel Fazioli, music department supervisor and associate principal at Sand Creek Middle School. “They continue to set the standard for excellence in music education.”
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants. The foundation supports equitable access to music education and career pathways in the music industry through community investment and advocacy. For more information and a full list of honorees, visit nammfoundation.org.
