The COVID-19 pandemic has derailed New York’s arts and cultural sector, which before 2020 had accounted for nearly half-a-million jobs and generated around $120 billion for the state. A 2020 study conducted by the Brookings Institution estimates that more than 280,000 creative industry jobs and $26.8 billion in sales have been lost in New York, second behind California, which leads the nation in estimated job loss.

The Schoharie Valley Singers are offering a free online choral Christmas concert.

GUILDERLAND — Four Guilderland students have been recognized by the New York State School Music Association for their exemplary performances and were selected for the NYSSMA Conference All-State Music Ensembles:

— Morgan Dempsey in Mixed Chorus;

— Aidan Doyle in Instrumental Jazz;

The Schoharie Valley Singers are beginning rehearsals for their 42nd concert season entitled, “Brightest & Best — A Virtual Concert.” The concert will be viewable on Friday, Dec. 18, beginning at 7 p.m. on YouTube.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the board of directors of Old Songs Inc. decided this week to postpone the 40th Old Songs Festival to June 25-27, 2021.

A new musical, written by a local playwright and performed by local actors, is meant to help people who are struggling.

The Mendelssohn Club of Albany will hold auditions beginning this week for male singers interested in joining the club for the second half of its 111th season. Interested tenors and basses are invited to rehearse with the club on Wednesday evenings starting Jan. 15 at 7:15 p.m.

The Schoharie Valley Singers are looking for singers to join the chorus as it continues its 41st season. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and are held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Bridge, running from 7 to 9 p.m. The LDS Church can be found at 141 Church St. in Central Bridge.

GUILDERLAND — Erin Lancraft has loved music since she was a young girl. She also started volunteering at a summer camp for children with developmental disabilities when she was 11, and continued to work there through high school.