Elementary music students shining forth from home

During this time of virtual learning, even our youngest students have been hard at work learning the musical skills offered here in Monticello, and also showing how joyful, creative, and resourceful they are in any situation. Here’s just a small sampling of all their wonderful work!

Calling all music lovers!

Whether you’re a current student, a staff member, a graduate, a parent, or just a supporter of music education, we want to hear from you! In honor of Monticello’s 10th year of earning  the Best Communities for Music Education distinction, and in honor of our outstanding music department, we invite you to send a message …

A decade of nationally-recognized musical excellence at Monticello

The Monticello Central School District (MCSD) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the 10th year in a row in honor of its outstanding commitment to music education.   Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding …

Middle and High School Jazz Ensemble students to perform in festival

Fifty students from the Monticello Central School District’s Middle and High School Jazz Ensemble programs will participate in a concert that concludes the Liberty Jazz Festival on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Liberty Middle School Gymnasium.   Tickets will be available at the door. Suggested donation for the concert is $5 for adults, …

Cooke students perform “The Sisters Grinn” – a new take on some classic stories

You may have heard of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, but unless you’re part of the George L. Cooke Elementary School community, chances are you’ve never heard of The Sisters Grinn: Hanselle Hood and Gretelle Locks. It’s an original play penned by Monticello alumna Noel Komatz that takes the characters from three of the most …

Seven MHS students chosen to perform in All-State Festival Concert

Seven Monticello High School students have been chosen to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) Zone 9 Area All-State Festival Concert, which will take place at Suffern High School on Saturday Nov. 23, 2019.   The NYSSMA Zone 9 Area encompasses all of Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties. In …

Meeting and performing with a mandolin virtuoso

Students in the chamber music program, directed by Monticello High School music teacher David Chidsey, had the wonderful opportunity to perform with Jacob Jolliff of the Yonder Mountain String Band on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The students listened to him perform bluegrass and country music with his incredible virtuoso skills.

Virtuoso Mandolinist to visit Monticello High School

On Wednesday Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. in the Monticello High School Hughs Auditorium, virtuoso Mandolinist Jacob Jolliff of the Yonder Mountain String Band and the Jacob Jolliff Band will be conducting a workshop for MHS Chamber Musicians and performing some jazz standards with the faculty. Seating will be limited for the public and admission …