On Tuesday, May 14, the South Colonie Music Department treated audiences to a district tradition: the String Jamboree Concert. Nearly 400 orchestra students in grades 5, 6, 8, and 10-12 assembled in the MUG gymnasium at Colonie Central High School to showcase their musical talents.

"We haven't held a concert of such grand proportions since 2019,” said  Peter Cannistraci, the music department chairperson and director of the 11-12 symphonic orchestra. “Between construction and the pandemic, it's been a while, but we're thrilled to bring it back this year, especially in celebration of South Colonie's 75th anniversary.”

With over 50% of South Colonie students in grades 5-12 participating in musical performing groups like band, orchestra, and chorus, the music program continues to thrive. This dedication to musical education was further recognized last month when, for the 11th time, the NAMM Foundation named South Colonie a Best Community for Music Education.

"We are so proud of our string program," explained Cannistraci. "Not only is it one of the largest in the Capital Region, but we've also had considerable success with the orchestra in South Colonie. We've brought groups to competitions and received gold medals and first-place rankings. We've had orchestra students represent South Colonie in the Suburban Council Music Festival, at the regional level at Area All-State Festivals, and at the state level at All-State. Several graduates are currently studying music at the college level. Alumni of our program hold top positions with major symphony orchestras."

The concert culminated in a grand finale performance of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," uniting all students earning them a well-deserved standing ovation.

View the concert video.