The Oneonta City School District has been nationally recognized by the NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.
The designation is awarded to districts across the country that demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to music education—from classroom instruction and performance opportunities to participation levels, community support, and access for students at every level.
At OCSD, that work is visible every day.
At the elementary level, music is part of the school day with Jill Czarnecki, Kimberly Philby, and Paul Durgala. As students move up, they continue that work with Kimberly Collison, Laura Wahlberg, Mathew Oram, Jennifer White, and Paul Jenkins Jr.—building their skills, confidence, and love for music along the way.
Jennifer White shared that this recognition is really about the team behind it. “What an honor! Huge thanks to my colleagues in the world’s greatest music department, especially Jill for her hard work on the application. And thank you to our supportive administrators who give us the space to do what we love for our students.”
That support is something school leaders point to as well. OHS Principal Kevin Stevens called the recognition “an outstanding honor that is well deserved,” noting that “the dedication and support of the music department for our Yellowjacket musicians is inspiring.”
Superintendent Thomas Brindley echoed that sentiment, sharing that “this recognition reflects the kind of opportunities we want to continue to provide for our students. Music is part of the experience here, and our students and teachers bring that to life every day.”
As the school year begins to wind down, that work will be on full display as OCSD enters concert season at the end of May. Families and community members are invited to attend and support our student musicians:
Oneonta Middle School 6th Grade – May 28 at 7:00 PM in the OHS Auditorium
Oneonta High School – June 2 at 7:00 PM in the OHS Auditorium
Oneonta Middle School 7th and 8th Grade – June 3 at 7:00 PM in the OHS Auditorium
Riverside Elementary – June 9 at 2:15 PM and 6:00 PM in the RS Gym
Valleyview Elementary – June 11 at 2:00 PM in the VV Gym and 7:00 PM in the OHS Auditorium
Greater Plains Elementary – June 17 at 2:15 PM and 6:00 PM in the GP Gym
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating both this recognition and the continued work of our music students and teachers.
GO 'JACKETS!
