BROCKPORT, NY — On March 7, 2023, Board of Education members, Music Department staff, student musicians and their families gathered to celebrate Music in our Schools Month (MIOSM), recognizing the accomplishments of all our Brockport musicians this year.

“For more than 30 years, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has recognized the month of March in observance of Music in Our Schools Month,” Katelyn Marasco, Chair of the District Music Department, said. “MIOSM, and the events surrounding it, are opportunities to raise awareness for quality music education programs in schools all over the nation. Teachers, students, and music supporters join in the celebration through creative activities and advocacy.”

Musicians from 21 different musical ensembles were present, ranging from the elementary schools to Brockport High School and who performed in a variety of events including Area All State, All County, and the RPO Holiday Gala.

“[The] music festivals happen throughout the entire school year, not just in March,” Marasco said. “All County, Conference, and All-State ensembles are honors groups comprised of the top students from school music departments across the county and New York State. The groups are directed by renowned guest conductors and perform in concerts all over the region.”  

With the chance to participate in such selective groups, student musicians practice for their audition throughout the entire school year, sometimes auditioning an entire year in advance.

“MIOSM helps to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children,” Marasco said. “It is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their programs to the attention of the school and the community to display the benefits of school music.”

Included in all of the exciting performances this year, Brockport has the honor of hosting the Elementary All-County groups. The concerts will take place over the course of two days, when more than 350 students and approximately 100 music teachers will arrive on Brockport’s campus from across Monroe County. During this event, county musicians will have the chance to work with prestigious guest conductors right on campus.

Here's a list of events happening this month; please feel free to come out and support our local musicians:

• Mar. 10 – 11 MCSMA Jazz – Spencerport HS 
• Mar. 11 Class Acts – HS Aud. 7 p.m.
• Mar. 15 District Wide Band - SUNY Brockport SERC 7 p.m
  • This is the biggest concert of the year! Band students from every grade 4-12 perform a piece and the concert culminates with all students performing a combined piece. 
• Mar. 17 – 18 Elementary All-County - Brockport HS 
• Mar. 22 HS Orchestra Concert – HS Aud. 7 p.m. 
  
  

Thank you to the staff and parents who help support our Brockport Music Department and congratulations to all of the students who were selected to represent Brockport in these prestigious events.

For a full list of students, click here.