Music

Summer Fun: Classical Kids Performance

August 6, 2018

On Friday, August 3rd, 26 Warren Street Students, together with 26 parents and five chaperones, all under the direction of Warren Street Music Teacher Lynn Makrin, attended the 2018 SPAC Classical Kids performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The event was full of space related activities, ice cream, a drumming circle, and then a fabulous concert including Sibelius’ “Night Ride and Sunrise,” a new work by Theofanidis called “Rainbow Body,” and Holst’s “The Planets” with full accompanying video from NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratories.

Special thanks to the Johnstown Music Support Group and to the community for fundraising to support the bus for this wonderful trip. All of the students who went will receive a “Classical Kids” pass for free admission to all of SPAC’s classical events from now until they graduate from high school.

Knox Band Entertains at Nursing Homes

June 14, 2018

On Wednesday, June 13, volunteer members of the Knox eighth grade band performed for residents of the Wells House and Pine View Commons nursing homes.

Performers included: Cecelia D’Amore-clarinet, Mackenzie Heffernan-percussion, Emily Gelman-saxophone, Emma Jean Herrick-trumpet, Shauna McCullough-bassoon, Gabby Pettit-flute, Hailey Preston-horn, Luke Solby- flute, Anthony Tybor-percussion, Edna Witzke-clarinet.

The students did a wonderful job and enjoyed sharing their talents!

March 8, 2018

Thank you to the Sixth Grade Ensemble and the Knox Winds Ensemble for promoting Music In Our Schools Month with awesome instrumental performances during the March 8, 2018 Board of Education meeting!

Music in our Schools Month Presentation at our BOE meeting. Great job Music Department. pic.twitter.com/MLrPcyLhNe

— Johnstown Athletics (@JTathletics) March 8, 2018

Music in our Schools Month at JHS BOE meeting. ???????? pic.twitter.com/FyUjET7Wgi

— Johnstown Athletics (@JTathletics) March 8, 2018

Knox Bassoonist Part of NYS Honor Band

March 5, 2018

Congratulations to Knox Junior High School student and bassoon player Cecelia D’Amore! Cecelia performed with the New York State Band Directors Association’s Middle School Honor Band on Saturday, March 3, in Liverpool, NY.

Cecelia, along with 105 other students from across the state, worked with guest conductor Dr. Milt Allen. The band performed four pieces, including the world premier of a commissioned work titled “Exhale” by Sean O’Loughlin. Selection for this prestigious ensemble included an application process and scores from the New York State School Music Association’s solo festival.

Students Selected for NYSSMA Festival

November 21, 2017

Five Johnstown High School students were selected for and performed in the NYSSMA Zone 7 Area All State Music Festival this past weekend, November 17 and 18, in Saratoga Springs. All students were selected based on their Spring 2017 NYSSMA All-State Solo auditions.

Chorus:

Emily Barker, Alto 1
Sandra Trueworthy, Alto 1
Jordyn Stoutner, Alto 2
Hunter Hill, Bass 2

Band:

Lillian Nevins, Flute

Knox Musicians at NYSSMA Solo Festival

April 10, 2017

On Friday, April 7, musicians from Knox Junior High School participated in the New York State School Music Association’s Solo Festival. The festival took place at Bethlehem Middle School. There, students performed a solo, scales and sight reading for an adjudicator. The Knox students worked very hard, practicing since February in preparation. Participants included: Natalie Baxter – saxophone, Joelle Bump – bassoon, Petra Conyne – vocal, Cecilia D’Amore – bassoon, Kyla Herrick – flute, Morgan Hotaling – trumpet, Madison King – clarinet, Brooke Nellis – flute/vocal, Kaidince Nellis – clarinet, Cameron Polidore – snare drum, Luke Solby – flute, Zachary Tierney – tuba. A wonderful job was done by all of the students!

students pose in a group in Bethlehem gym, one boy holds an instrument

March 7, 2017

Johnstown High School Madrigal Choir members (classes 1995-2006) reunited recently for a special performance under the direction of Dr. William Crankshaw. Proceeds from the December 22 benefit at the First Presbyterian Church have been generously donated to the JHS music program. Many thanks to all who helped make this remarkable event possible. Video courtesy of Mr. Dave Bode:

Donation Made to Local Food Pantry

January 25, 2017

The JHS Captain’s Council, Student Council and the Music Department recently made its first donation of the new year to the local food pantry. With the help of the community members and visitors who brought non-perishable items to athletic and music events, seven boxes of food were delivered help those in need. Thank you to everyone who helped!

group of students stands behind boxes of food piled on table and floor

JHS Students Selected for Area All State

November 17, 2016

Six Johnstown High School students have been selected for the NYSSMA Zone 7 Area All State Music Festival this coming weekend, November 18 and 20, in Saratoga Springs. All students were selected based on their Spring 2016 NYSSMA All-State Solo auditions.

Chorus:                                                                Band:
Emily Barker, Alto 1                                       Ashley Ackernecht, Flute
Spencer Frenyea, Bass 2                             Michael Tuttle, Trombone
Hunter Hill, Bass 1
Sarah Martell, Alto 1

Boys left to right: Spencer Frenyea- Chorus, Mike Tuttle – Band, Hunter Hill- Chorus. Girls left to right: Emily Barker- Chorus, Sarah Martelle- Chorus, Ashley Ackernecht- Band.

February 29, 2016

The Greater Johnstown School District Music Department is proud to announce the selection of Ciara Solby to the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) High School Honor Concert Band. This highly selective group will rehearse during the 35th Annual NYSBDA Symposium in Syracuse, NY, March 4-6, culminating with a concert on March 6. This is the second year in a row that Ciara has been chosen for this honor.

Ciara was selected based on her audition at the Spring NYSSMA Solo Festival held in Queensbury last May. A clarinet player since fifth grade, she flawlessly performed Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie at the All State level, the most challenging level of performance.

Over 350 students from school districts across New York State applied for the Honor Band. From these applications, 117 students were selected to participate in the Honor Band, with 22 students designated as alternates.

Ciara toured Europe this past summer with American Music Abroad, spending two weeks performing at various venues throughout France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria. Ciara studies privately with Stephanie Boice, of Boice’s Woodwind Studio in Hagaman. She also performs with the Mohawk Valley Chamber Groups and Wind Ensemble.

This past November, Ciara was selected for the NYSSMA Zone 4 Area All State Band in Little Falls. She plans on studying clarinet performance in college, in preparation for a career in music. Ciara has auditioned at Fredonia School of Music, Ithaca College School of Music, The Crane School of Music (Potsdam), and the Bard Conservatory (Annandale, NY).

Ciara is the daughter of Richard and Stacey Solby of Johnstown.