Wayne Central School District

Wayne Central School District is proud to announce that Kathy Perconti, vocal music and theatre teacher at James A. Beneway High School, has been elected President of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for a two-year term beginning in 2026. Her presidential theme, Music for Life, reflects her belief in music education as a lifelong pursuit that enriches individuals at every stage.

With more than three decades of experience in music education, Perconti brings a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity to this statewide leadership role.

Perconti's foundation in music education began in Vestal, New York, where she was influenced by a strong network of elementary, middle, and high school music educators who fostered her growth as a performer and musician. These early experiences led her to pursue formal study at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a Master of Arts degree from the University at Buffalo. Her academic training also included theatre and dance, shaping a collaborative approach to music and the performing arts.

Throughout her career, Perconti has demonstrated a sustained commitment to music education across the lifespan. Her professional experience spans early childhood, elementary, middle school, high school, collegiate mentorship, and community engagement. She has taught private piano and voice, created early childhood programs such as Mommy & Me® and Movin' to the Music®, and served in PK–6, middle school, and secondary school settings. Since 2007, she has taught vocal music and theatre at Wayne Central High School. In addition to mentoring more than 20 student teachers, Perconti extends her work beyond the classroom by acting and directing shows with local theatre groups, including Ontario, NY’s Neighborhood Acting Company (NAC). Her contributions to music education have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a quarterfinalist for the 2024 Grammy Awards, receiving the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's Choral Director of the Year Award in 2019, and earning Wayne Central High School's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2011.

As NYSSMA President, Perconti will lead efforts to modernize and strengthen the organization while honoring its longstanding traditions. Her priorities include developing a strategic plan to reaffirm NYSSMA's mission, expanding musical offerings to reflect contemporary student interests, modernizing festival evaluations and assessments through increased use of technology, and enhancing organizational transparency through electronic elections and leadership term limits. She also plans to establish a mentorship committee to support early-career music educators, expand statewide recognition of exemplary programs and educators, and improve communication across regions.

Reflecting on her vision, Perconti stated, "My theme, Music for Life, reminds us that music is a lifelong journey, not a single moment. To honor that journey, NYSSMA must continue to grow and evolve—adapting our programs, embracing diverse musical voices, and supporting educators and students at every stage—so music remains relevant, accessib