Student musicians from East Greenbush Central School District represented their schools with distinction at the NYSSMA Majors Festival on Wednesday, demonstrating outstanding preparation, musicianship, and growth.

The Columbia High School Symphonic Band, directed by David Bresnahan, performed a challenging Level 5 program and earned a Gold Rating. A Gold Rating is presented to ensembles that “demonstrate an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in each evaluative category.”

The ensemble’s program featured Kirkpatrick’s Muse by Jay Bocook, Variations on a Korean Folksong by John Barnes Chance, and The Mother Goose March by John Philip Sousa.

Also performing was the Howard L. Goff Middle School 7th Grade Band, directed by Erin Upson, which participated in an Instrumental Clinic.

Following performances of Groovee! by Richard Saucedo and Byzantine Dances by Carol Brittin Chambers, students worked with a NYSSMA adjudicator in a post-performance clinic session. During the clinic, students received positive feedback on their performance while also learning valuable strategies and focus areas for continued improvement.

Congratulations to all of the student musicians and directors on a successful day representing East Greenbush with pride and excellence!