The Binghamton City School District has 6,500 students divided into seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The District employs 26 music teachers. Binghamton High School's Rod Serling School of Fine Arts has received the distinct recognition of Grammy Signature School for the past 2 years; an award only 100 schools nationwide receive. Students have the opportunity to major in music, dance, visual arts, or drama. The Rod Serling School of Fine Arts has graduated over 400 seniors since its inception in 1995 and has a graduation rate of 98% and a college entrance rate of 91%. Many music graduates have gone on to successful careers in music, performing with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Maynard Ferguson, Broadway Shows and more. Many others are found teaching in public school systems and at the college level, and others are composing music for such artists as Diana Ross, the Boston Pops and for movie soundtracks.

The Binghamton High School Jazz Ensemble rehearses every other day during lunch. Each year, a distinguished member of the alumni from Binghamton High School works with the students in workshops and composes a piece specifically for the band. They then perform on their year end concert. Students in grades 9 - 12 may audition for the ensemble and must be members of the Binghamton High School Symphonic Band. The Binghamton High School Jazz Ensemble has performed and earned outstanding ratings for NYSSMA, at Toronto, Boston, Hershey Park and Seneca Falls Music Festivals and is planning a performance trip to France for the 2005/06 school year.