"There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time studying the arts. Those who studied the arts for four or more years scored 66 points higher on verbal and 47 points higher on math portions of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts for a combined total of 113 points higher."

— Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board

• Grades K-6

• Grades 7-8

• Grades 9-12

Remembering Linda Wagner

The North Colonie Friends of Music joins the music staff and community in remembering our dear friend Linda Wagner, who passed away in May after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Linda began her music teaching career in North Colonie in 1969 and was the district's music supervisor from 1994 until she retired in 2004. She taught students at all levels, elementary, middle and high school.

Linda was also a talented French horn player who performed regularly throughout the Capital Region and taught private lessons until shortly before she passed away.

Music teachers in North Colonie remember Linda for her kind and giving spirit, and in the end she taught those of us lucky enough to know her the greatest lesson of all—how to live life to its fullest.

At the Wagner family's request, donations in Linda's name may be made to NCFOM for the Linda Wagner Award, c/o Shaker HS, 445 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham NY 12110; or to Gilda’s Club, One Penny Lane, Latham NY 12110.

North Colonie musicians honored for outstanding performances

During spring 2008, North Colonie students were honored for their musical abilities in a variety of categories:

• The Southgate Elementary Select Chorus earned a Silver Medal at the

  2008 NYSSMA Major Organization Choral Festival.

• Shaker Junior High School's Jazz Ensemble, Select Chorus, Select Band and Scherzo earned Gold Medals at the

  2008 Great East Festival in Mass., while Syncopella earned a Platinum Medal at the same festival.

• Matthew Amedio received the 2008 Semper Fidelis Music Award by the Marine Corps League.

• Charlotte Xiang was awarded first place in the 2008 Louise DeFeo Parillo Piano Competition. Loren Cao and Eileen Jin tied for second.

• Allen Yu will perform a piano concerto with the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra in October.

Congrats to theses SHS seniors

Friends of Music Linda Wagner Award

  Matthew Amedio and James Haertel

Friends of Music John Malthouse Award

  Lindsey Putnam, Olivia Quillio

  Joseph Van Ullen

National Honor Society Music Award

Matthew Amedio

John Philip Sousa Band Award

James Haertel, Joseph Van Ullen

National Choral Award

Steven Wing

National Orchestra Award

Andrea Pais, Junya (Rick) Yin

Principal’s Own Marching Band Award

Philip Allen, Rachel Cortesi, Caitlyn Grenfeld

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

Mark Lombardo, Nicholas Manning

Eleven of our students are pursuing careers in music! Bravo!