Students from Howell Road Elementary School took part in a statewide celebration of music education in Albany.
New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages welcomed members of the school’s Chamber Orchestra and Junior Chorus to the state capital as part of the New York State School Music Association’s annual Music in Our Schools Month.
The student performers traveled to Albany to participate in the event, which features musical performances by schools from across New York State. Performances are held at the Empire State Plaza and highlight student achievement in music education.
The Howell Road Chamber Orchestra and Junior Chorus performed under the leadership of Principal Jasmine G. Shepherd and with guidance from their music teachers. The groups represented Assembly District 22 at the statewide event.
“Watching these young musicians take the stage in Albany fills me with tremendous pride,” Solages said. “The students of Howell Road Elementary School are a true reflection of the talent and spirit of our community. Music education builds discipline, creativity and confidence, and these young people demonstrate all of that and more. I also want to recognize Dr. Shepherd and the music teachers who invest so much of themselves in nurturing these students every single day.”
In addition to student performances, Music in Our Schools Month provides opportunities for music educators to meet with state legislators to advocate for the importance of music programs in schools.
Music in Our Schools Month was established by NYSSMA and is celebrated each March in all 50 states as well as at U.S. military base schools in Europe. What began as a single day in 1973 has since grown into a month-long celebration of music education and student achievement.
