The NYSSMA COVID-19 toolkit advocacy page has been designed for the membership to access relevant information as it relates to the current pandemic and the economic repercussions it may have on music program. Please check back for updated information as guidance continues to develop.
NYSSMA Advocacy Committee
A NYSSMA advocacy committee has been formed to increase communication to local zones. Each zone has been assigned an “advocate” that NYSSMA members may contact with questions regarding music program.
| Zone Advocate | ||
| Zone 1 | Claudia Andres | andresc1954@yahoo.com |
| Zone 2 | Jeff Smith | jsmith@cccsd.org |
| Zone 3 | Jen Rafferty | music@jenrafferty.com |
| Zone 3 | Jacquelin Kovacs | jkovacs@me.stier.org |
| Zone 4 | Mark Bunce | mbunce@cvalleycsd.org |
| Zone 5 | Marvin Zehr | marzedos@yahoo.com |
| Zone 6 | Jennifer Moore | jmoore@willsborocsd.org |
| Zone 7 | Brian Carucci | carubria@shenschools.org |
| Zone 8 | Rebecca Maeder-Chien | rmaederchien@skcs.org |
| Zone 9 | Lynda Keech | zone9@nyssma.org |
| Zone 9 | Harvey Boyer | hboyer@onteora.K12.ny.us |
| Zone 10 | Ryan Wade | ryanwade@hpcsd.org |
| Zone 11 | Nancy Torrente | zone11@nyssma.org |
| Zone 12 | Robert Rams | rrams@schools.nyc.gov |
| Zone 13 | Joe Owens | governmentrelations@nassaumusic.org |
| Zone 14 | Michael Caravello | mcaravel@portjeffschools.org |
| Zone 15 | Chris van Leeuwen | zone15@nyssma.org |
| Lori Orestano-James | NYSSMA Advocacy Chair | |
| Michael Mastrangelo | NYSSMA Advocacy Co-Chair | |
| Russ Faunce | NYSSMA President Elect | |
| Michael Brownell | NYSSMA Advisor | |
| Marc Greene | NAfME Officer |
Music Education Requirements
NYS Arts Education Requirements
The Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 100 specify that public school students are to receive instruction in the arts including Visual Arts, Dance, Music and Theater in grades PreK-K (CR 100.3(a)), grades one through six (CR 100.3(b)), and one-half unit of credit in both Visual Arts and Music over grades seven and eight (CR 100.4). Additionally, students in grades nine through twelve must have the opportunity to complete a unit of credit in the Arts; which may include Visual Arts, Music, Dance, or Theater to satisfy Regents diploma requirements (CR 100.5(a)3(v)). Students should also have the opportunity to begin a sequence in the Arts in grade nine, and to access advanced coursework needed to complete a sequence in the Arts (100.2(h)).
Arts Summary – Part 100 Regs-Arts summary
Full Document – http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/
NYSED Music in the High Schools
NYSED Music Education Flowchart
The U.S. Department of Education Requirements
The US Department of Education approved New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which demands that all students be provided with a well-rounded education, including the Arts, providing equitable access to an enriched curriculum and educational experience for every student.
Document – https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn
Reopening Guidance 2021-2022
- 8/12/21 – NFHS Return to Music Guidance and Resources , NAfME and NFHS Return to Music Guidance and Resources Phase III
- 8/12/21 – New York State Department of Education Health and Safety Guide for the 2021-2022 School Year
- 8/12/21 – NFHS – Unprecedented International Coalition led by Performing Arts Organizations to Commission COVID-19 Study