The district celebrates the outstanding achievements of the GCSD music department ensembles at not one, but two exciting regional spring events.
NYSSMA Majors
At the 2026 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization Festival, six ensembles were evaluated by a panel of adjudicators on tone, intonation, balance, technique, accuracy/execution, rhythm, and musical interpretation.
The GHS Symphonic Band and Concert Choir received a GOLD rating, while the GHS Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Choir earned GOLD with DISTINCTION. The Farnsworth Middle School Select Band participated in a clinic, gaining valuable feedback.
The GHS Symphonic Band (Greg Clark, director) and Concert Choir (Claudia Golub, director) each received a rating of GOLD, demonstrating an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill.
The GHS Wind Ensemble (John Fatuzzo, director), Jazz Ensemble (John Fatuzzo, director), and Chamber Choir (Claudia Golub, director) each received the highest possible rating of GOLD with DISTINCTION, demonstrating an exceptional level of technical and artistic skill.
Additionally, the Farnsworth Middle School Select Band (Alexis St. Clair, director) performed for Clinic Evaluation, receiving valuable written, recorded, and in-person feedback from the adjudicator panel.
Music in the Parks
At the Music in the Parks Festival, Guilderland High School ensembles performed at Holyoke High School and the United Congregational Church in Massachusetts. All five participating ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra (Susan Curro, director), Concert Orchestra (Susan Curro, director), Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Choir, received SUPERIOR ratings and placed FIRST in their divisions.
The Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Choir also won BEST OVERALL awards.
After their performances, the students spent several hours enjoying themselves in the amusement park at Six Flags New England.
These accolades represent countless hours of rehearsals and individual practice. Directors have shared their immense pride in the students’ work ethic and artistic development throughout the school year. Congratulations to all our student musicians and directors on a truly award-winning season!
