The Galway Central School District is proud to host the Saratoga-Warren County Music Educators Association (SWCMEA) All-County Band Festival on Thursday, October 19, 2017 and Saturday, October 21, 2017.

Approximately 230 student musicians from 17 school districts were selected to participate in the festival based on their evaluation scores from their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo performances last spring. 

The students will rehearse with guest conductors on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday morning beginning at 9 a.m. The efforts will culminate in a performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. that is open to the public. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.

Guest conductors include Bradley Eiser from Chatham Central School District (Grades 6-7 Band), Denise Foster from Warrensburg Central School District (Grades 8-9 Band), and Dr. Lois Ferrari from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX (Grades 10-12 Band).

Galway Central School District Director of Bands Gary Barrow has been coordinating with Galway’s Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Michael Sherman to allocate space for the student musicians and their instruments.

“One band will rehearse in the music room, another band will practice in the auditorium, and the third band will be in the Middle School gymnasium,” said Barrow. “We have teachers from other school districts bringing percussion equipment so we have enough for three bands, and Galway Friends of Music will provide food for the students. It’s a real team effort.”

For more information about the SWCMEA All-County Band Festival, please contact Gary Barrow at 518-882-1033.