Twenty-two South Colonie music students performed at the Suburban Council Music Festival held at Burnt Hills- Ballston Lake High School on January 24 and 25. The South Colonie music program is honored to have so many students participate in this year’s music festival!

Over 300 students, grades 6-12, from Albany, Averill Park, Ballston Spa, Bethlehem, East Greenbush, Guilderland, Mohonasen, Niskayuna, North Colonie, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Scotia-Glenville, Shenendehowa, and South Colonie were selected to participate based on NYSSMA scores and recommendations from their music teachers.

After two days of rehearsals, the students presented a concert under the direction of esteemed guest conductors.  The program included a middle school band, middle school orchestra, high school chorus and high school jazz band. 

Performing with the band were Nina Kimball (clarinet), Natalie Love-Okpodu (clarinet), Easton Hunsaker (trumpet), Robbie Greco (trombone), Sophia Rosselli (euphonium), Andrew Auger (percussion), and Anthony Musto (percussion).  Holly McCoy, a veteran teacher from Syracuse and officer of the New York State Band Director's Association (NYSBDA) was the guest conductor.

Gregory Krajci, from the East Meadow School District, directed the orchestra, which included Elizabeth Chan (violin), Alyssa Dandoy (violin), Ava Lane (violin) Jordan Beisler (viola), Amelia Rundell (viola), Danielle Marra (cello), Mikaella Ruff (cello), and Lucas Heffernan (string bass).

The high school chorus included Erin Almonte (soprano), Miranda Bopp (soprano), Abby Santspree (soprano), Liam Reno (tenor), Axel Cruz Santiago (tenor), and Anthony Luna (bass). The choir was led by Dr. Timothy Reno, Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professor of Creative Arts at Siena College.

Congratulations and BRAVO to all our South Colonie music students!