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Music Education at North Colonie

The North Colonie Central School District is proud of its excellent arts programs. The music department in North Colonie includes 25 teachers who work with over 65 performing groups. More than 2,100 students perform regularly within our schools and community.

For the 12th year in a row, North Colonie has been designated as one of the Best Communities for Music Education, a national honor. Winning districts set the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music education.

The NAMM Foundation congratulates the district on demonstrating outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students in the district.

“I am proud of the accomplishments of our ensembles and students, but more importantly, proud of the daily instruction and inspiration that our music teachers provide for the children of North Colonie,” said Deborah Keough, North Colonie’s Music Department Supervisor. “Now more than ever, the arts are critical to students’ academic and social-emotional development. I am always proud to lead a department of amazing educators who inspire students to find their voice and become more than they knew they could be.”

The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 9,000 members around the world.

Calling all instruments: Donate to a student in need

In recent years, the Music Department has seen an increase in families who are unable to afford an instrument for their children. Some children have requested to drop out of band or orchestra because the instrument rental costs are more than their parents can currently afford.

If you have any used band or orchestra instruments at home, please consider making them a tax-deductible donation to the school district. The district can rent these instruments to families at a greatly reduced cost, or by BOE policy, waive the rental fee for families on free lunch. You can drop off the instrument to District Music Supervisor Deborah Keough at Shaker High School or to a music teacher in any school building. Please include a note with your full name and address so we can send you a letter for your tax deduction. Our hope is that every child who wants to learn an instrument will be able to do so.

Instruments used in the North Colonie music program:

  • Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon
  • Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba
  • Percussion Kit (drum pad, bells)
  • Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
  • Guitar, Digital keyboard

Receive Music Department news through ParentSquare, Twitter

You can receive Music Department news through ParentSquare, the district’s emergency notification system. Parents are automatically connected to ParentSquare through Infinite Campus. If parents’ information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus, it will be up-to-date in ParentSquare. 

You can also stay up-to-date on Music Department news by following on Twitter @NColonieMusic or on Facebook.