All students take music in elementary and middle school. Students take general music in grades K-5. Additionally, all fourth grade students take chorus and fifth grade students have the opportunity to join the school chorus, band or orchestra program.
Grades K-5
- General Music (required for all students)
- Chorus 4 and 5
- Band 5
- Orchestra 5
Teachers – Megan Gallucci, Jon Kusche, Andrea Lubbers, Jacqui Nagy, Megan Scolaro, Jon Tario
Grades 6-8
- Band
- Chorus
- Orchestra
- General Music (for students not in a performing group)
- After school opportunities – jazz band, drama club, guitar club
Teachers – David Bresnahan, Caitlyn Clark, Jarod Grieco, Nathan Lawrence, Erin Upson, Hannah Wunsch
Grades 9-12
- Concert Band
- Symphonic Band
- Chorus
- Chamber Singers
- Orchestra
- Chamber Orchestra
- Music Theory
- After school opportunities – jazz band, rock orchestra, drama club
Teachers – Shellie Badger, Sue Chrzan, Scott Halliday, Jon Kusche
Columbia graduates have attended prestigious music universities including:
- Berklee College of Music
- College of St. Rose
- Eastman School of Music
- Hartt School of Music
- Hartwick College
- Ithaca College
- Juilliard Pre-College
- Manhattan School of Music
- Oberlin Conservatory
- SUNY Fredonia
- Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam
- SUNY Purchase
Resources:
News
Goff Bands Earn Gold and Silver at NYSSMA Majors Festival - The Howard L. Goff Middle School 8th Grade Band earned a Gold Rating and the 7th Grade Band earned a Silver Rating at the 2025 NYSSMA Majors Festival this week in the Columbia High School auditorium. Congratulations!
Dr. Russell Haight to Perform Guest Artist Concert – March 25 - The Columbia High School bands will present a concert with guest saxophonist Dr. Russell Haight '99 on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Haight will perform with the Goff 8th Grade Band as well as the CHS Jazz, Concert, and Symphonic Bands. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS auditorium.
Tristan Murphy Selected to NYSBDA Middle School Honor Band - Congratulations to 8th grader Tristan Murphy who has been selected to participate in the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Middle School Honor Band!