Students in grades 4–12 in the Greater Johnstown School District (GJSD) celebrated a “Morning of Music” this week in honor of March being recognized as Music In Our Schools Month. The event showcased GJSD’s music program, highlighted the talents of its student musicians, recognized the district’s music teachers, and encouraged younger students to become more involved in school music opportunities.
Knox Middle School band teacher Jennifer Casey served as emcee for the event and was assisted by senior student-musicians Ian Yucca and Ayla Naselli.
Casey introduced fourth grade students from Warren Street to the many musical opportunities available to them as they progress through the district by showcasing performances from every GJSD band and choral group. She connected with the students by drawing upon her own personal experience of growing up in a school district that was even smaller than Johnstown.
“We are fortunate to have music lessons, bands, and choruses here at Johnstown because not every school district offers those opportunities,” Casey told students. “Growing up, purchasing an instrument or paying for private music lessons was simply not an option for my family. I was so lucky to learn how to read and play music at school. Honestly, without those built-in resources, I don’t know where I would be today. Being a musician is a lifelong gift.”
Casey then introduced students to the entire team of GJSD music teachers including Alison Wallace (PA & Warren St. music), Kristiana Briscoe (Knox chorus), Jacob LaBate (JHS band), Abigail McCann-Loomis (JHS chorus), and Tamara Healy, a retired GJSD music teacher who is back this year to assist Mr. LaBate with instrumental lessons.
The assembly also gave music teachers an opportunity to teach younger students about proper etiquette – both as performers and as audience members.
“Music has long been a point of pride in the Greater Johnstown School District, and our talented teachers and student musicians have built a program with incredible depth,” Superintendent of Schools Ms. Alicia D. Koster said. “Events like the Morning of Music remind us how fortunate we are to have such strong opportunities already in place. As we celebrate that tradition, we are also committed to building on it and continuing to expand the many opportunities our students have to learn, perform, and grow through music.”
