Extra-Curricular Music Offerings

High School

Jazz Ensemble

Under the direction of Mr. Andrew LaCoppola, these dedicated musicians rehearse at the high school twice a week. Instrumentation includes alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion.

The group prepares music from pop to swing, big band to samba, and other styles. Students are also exposed to jazz history, artists, and listening during rehearsals. The jazz band performs at the Winter Concert, GJSD All City Concert to Celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, and Spring Concert. Additional performances may be scheduled around the community. A commitment to before-school rehearsals is required to be a member of the group.

Marching Band

The Johnstown High School Marching Band, directed by Mr. Andrew LaCoppola, performs during two seasons: Fall and Spring.

The Fall Marching Band rehearses two days a week after school, preparing music as a Pep Band for home football games and the annual Pep Rally, as well as preparing for Johnstown’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Holiday Parade.

The Spring Marching Band rehearses two evenings a week in preparation for the annual Memorial Day parades in Johnstown and Gloversville.

This band affords the students the opportunity to perform their music as both entertainment and community service.

Junior High School

Spring Marching Band

Marching Band gives students an opportunity to experience parade marching. Drill, posture and standard repertoire will be covered. Performances include the Veteran’s Day ceremony and the Memorial Parades in Johnstown and Gloversville. (Prerequisite: member of band program)

Fall Pep Band

Participation in Pep Band is a fun way to support our varsity football team and show school spirit. Students will perform tunes from the stands to help rouse the crowd. They will also perform for the homecoming bonfire and pep-rally. (Prerequisite: member of band program)

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is designed to develop students’ knowledge and appreciation of jazz. In rehearsal, students are exposed to basic jazz styles and beginning improvisation skills. Instrumentation may be customized to include non-traditional jazz instruments. Due to a limited number of parts, rhythm section members will be determined by audition (bass, guitar, percussion & piano). (Prerequisite: member of band program)

NYSSMA Solo Festival

This festival provides a unique musical challenge outside of regular school activities. Students will be adjudicated on their instrument and receive constructive comments from an adjudicator. It is not a competition, but a chance to learn and grow as a musician. Students will perform a solo, scales and sight read. (Prerequisite: member of band program)

Fulton County Music Festival

Each year the Fulton County Music Educators Association hosts the Fulton County Music Festival. The Junior High Band is organized to perform biannually. Students are recommended by their band directors to be selected to perform in this group. The ensemble is comprised of students from Johnstown, Gloversville, Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville, Mayfield, Northville, Wells and Lake Pleasant. They combine to form a large concert band typically between 80-100 students. A guest conductor works with the ensemble over the course of two days and the festival concludes with a concert. (Prerequisite: member of band program)

Small Ensembles

Small ensembles may be formed throughout the year to perform for various school and/or community events. Participation will give students a chance to gain more experience playing in an ensemble setting. (Prerequisite: member of band program)