For more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes a focus of schools across the nation.
The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM brings school music programs to the attention of the school and the community and helps to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
In South Colonie, all students in grades K-7 receive music education. Additionally, nearly 1500 South Colonie students in grades 5-12 participate in a musical performing group (band, orchestra, or chorus). South Colonie music students have represented the district at local, regional, state, and national music festivals. The NAMM Foundation regularly recognizes South Colonie as a “Best Community for Music Education” which is a national distinction presented annually to school districts that show excellent commitment to the music education of their students.
At Colonie High School, music students earn grade point averages that are typically five points higher than their non-music peers. Each year, 75% of the scholarships and awards that are earned by CCHS seniors are given to students involved in the music program.
To celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, please consider attending one of the following performances during the month of March:
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- March 9– Sand Creek 7/8 Concert
- March 14– Lisha Kill 7/8 Concert
- March 16-18– CCHS Musical, The Addams Family
- March 23– CCHS Spring Concert, Part 1 (Symphonic Band, Concert Orchestra, String Orchestra, Mixed Chorus)
- March 28– CCHS Spring Concert, Part 2 (Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers)