Extra-Curricular Groups 

Jazz Ensemble
Under the direction of Mr. Andrew LaCoppola, these dedicated musicians rehearse at the high school twice a week. Instrumentation includes alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion.

The group prepares music from pop to swing, big band to samba, and other styles. Students are also exposed to jazz history, artists, and listening during rehearsals. The jazz band performs at the Winter Concert, PRISM Concert, and Spring Concert. Additional performances may be scheduled around the community. A commitment to before-school rehearsals is required to be a member of the group.

Marching Band
The Johnstown High School Marching Band, directed by Mr. Andrew LaCoppola and Mr. James Morton, performs during two seasons: Fall and Spring.

The Fall Marching Band rehearses two days a week after school, preparing music as a Pep Band for home football games and the annual Pep Rally, as well as preparing for Johnstown's annual Veteran's Day Ceremony and Holiday Parade.

The Spring Marching Band rehearses two evenings a week in preparation for the annual Memorial Day parades in Johnstown and Gloversville.

This band affords the students the opportunity to perform their music as both entertainment and community service.

Winter Guard
The Greater Johnstown School District Winter Guard, directed by Mrs. Christine VanValkenburgh, is a member of the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit and also competes in Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional competitions. Winter guard is the sport of indoor color guard, combining the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement.

Johnstown’s Amethyst Gold varsity guard, marking its 19th year of competition in 2011-2012, is composed of students from grades 9-12 and competes in the Scholastic Regional A Class (SRA), while our Amethyst junior guard, composed of students in grades 7-12, competes in the SA1. The district also supports an elementary winter guard, Gold Dust, comprised of students in grades 4-6 from each of Johnstown's three elementary schools.

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