The East Greenbush Central School District has been named one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants. This national award recognizes school districts that set the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music education.

Criteria for selection is based on a variety of factors such as teacher/student ratio, music education participation rates, teacher qualifications, music facilities, and budget.

Music in the East Greenbush CSD

• Grades K-5
  • General Music (required for all students – interact with music through singing, playing instruments, movement, and improvisation)
  • Chorus 4 and 5
  • Band 5
  • Orchestra 5
• Grades 6-8
  • Band
  • Chorus
  • Orchestra
  • General Music (for students not in a performing group – students learn guitar, keyboard/piano skills, drumming techniques, and how to utilize a digital audio workstation)
  • After school opportunities – jazz band, drama club, guitar club
• Grades 9-12
  • Concert Band
  • Symphonic Band
  • Chorus
  • Chamber Singers
  • Orchestra
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • Music Theory
  • After school opportunities – jazz band, rock orchestra, drama club

More than 1,700 students are participating in band, chorus, or orchestra this school year, and those numbers are expected to grow.

“While students are always our primary focus, it’s nice to be able to celebrate our music teachers for their tireless hard work and dedication,” said Music Department Chair Jon Kusche. “The East Greenbush Music Department is an amazing group of educators who continue to inspire students on a daily basis and instill a life-long appreciation for music and the arts.”