Crane Clarinet Studios
Crane Clarinet Alumni
Alumni of the Crane Clarinet Studios have gone onto great graduate programs and careers. We have many alumni heavily involved in performing, teaching and also the music industry and you can read about them below. If you are an alumnus and we don't have your information, please let us know what you are doing by sending an email here.
2020s:
Tyler Mazone - BM Musical Studies: Composition 2021
Hometown: Guilderland, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Doyle
Awards: Rocque F. Dominick Award
Current Location: Lansing, MI studying MM in Composition.
Favorite Crane Memory: Playing in the bands and clarinet choir, hanging out with my close friends, and playing contrabass clarinet!
Advice to Undergrads: Enjoy your time in undergrad while you can, this is a great time to network and have friends who will last for a long time, they possibly will help you in your career! Also if you can, play the auxiliaries such as contra and Eb, it’s always good to know them! As well as learning different instruments if you aren’t required to take tech classes.
2010s:
Alessandra Shellard - BM Music Education 2019
Hometown: Niskayuna, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Sanders
Awards: Performance Certificate; Rocque F. Dominick Outstanding Clarinet Award
Current Location: Middle school band director at the Ichabod Crane CSD.
Favorite Crane Memory: All of my performance opportunities, starting the Crane chapter of NYSBDA, and attending the NAMM trip.
Advice to Undergrads: Take advantage of every opportunity you can to better yourself as a musician and pave your own path. Be kind to one another and don't sweat the small stuff-- just enjoy your time learning and growing in Potsdam!!
Gretchen Roeder - BM Music Education 2018
Hometown: Liverpool, NY
Studio teacher: Dr. Doyle
Current location: Working on my masters degree in Music Therapy at Nazareth College. I’m studying clarinet with Dr. Marcy Bacon, and play B-flat and E-flat clarinet for the Nazareth College Wind Symphony.
Favorite Crane Memory: Making life-long friends
Advice for undergrads: Taking a few minutes of your day to rest is so important, and never be afraid to ask questions!
Kelly Furgison 2017
Hometown: Copenhagen, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Doyle
Current Location: 7-12 Instrumentall Band Director, High School Jazz Ensemble Director, Marching Band Director, and 6th Grade General Music Teacher at Lowville Academy and Central School.
Favorite Crane Clarinet Memory: Dressing up for our annual clarinet choir concerts, studio clarinet picnics, our Christmas parties at JKD's, conducting the Clarinet Choir my senior year, and making some of the greatest friends!
Advice for undergrads: Take every opportunity you can and make time for yourself!
Julia Bellante- BM Music Education 2017
Hometown: Brookhaven, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Doyle
Current Location: Teaching 4th and 5th grade band in three elementary schools in the William Floyd School District.
Favorite Crane Memory: Dr. Kirk's annual Christmas party and White Elephant gift swap!
Advice for undergrads: Work hard, but remember to be good to yourself. At the end of the day, it's not going to matter what chair you were placed in or which ensembles you played in. What will matter is what you learned from those experiences and how you use them to better yourself and help others. In short, remember to eat and do one thing just for fun every day!
Annie Incontro - BM Music Business 2017
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Studio teacher: Dr. Doyle
Current Location: Working at Walt Disney World as a Coordinator/Trainer at It’s Tough to be a Bug!, Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, as well as a seasonal Guest Talent Coordinator with Disney Performing Arts.
Favorite Crane Memory: I can't pick just one! CWE tour in 2016, performing under the baton of Buffalo's very own JoAnn Falletta, and serving as president of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Advice for undergrads: Just say yes! College goes by way faster than you realize and so many opportunities can vanish in the blink of an eye. Practice and do your homework, but also go on day trips to Canada, hike a mountain at 4am, take advantage of things going on in Potsdam and on campus. Say yes when a cool opportunity arises, because it could be one of the best memories of your life. Don't look back at college with any regrets because you spent all your free time in a practice room.
Cassidy Vianese - BM in Music Business and Musical Studies (Theory) 2017
Hometown: Fredonia, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Sanders
Current Location: Digital Marketing Manager, Classifieds Manager, Sales Assistant at Bentley Hall, Inc. We handle International Musician magazine and Making Music Magazine.
Favorite Crane Memory: Dressing up in costumes and playing the annual Clarinet Choir Concert
Advice for undergrads: Take advantage of every opportunity! Whether it be leaving the practice room to go on a hike or joining a club and learning sign language, allow yourself time to have fun and experience new things. Trust me, it goes by way faster than you think. College is meant to be the time of your life. Embrace it!!
Krista Bowman - BM Music Education 2016 (Additionally earned an Associates of Music from SCCC)
Hometown: Hoosick Falls, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Doyle
Current Location: Teaching elementary general music at a community school in Racine, Wisconsin, outside of Milwaukee.
Favorite Crane Clarinet memory: When Chantilly dressed up as Dr Sanders for Halloween.
Education, Associates of Music from SCCC, Bachelors of Music Ed at Crane.
Advice for undergrads: The best teacher is experience!
Diana Cotrone- BM Music Education, Music Business minor 2016
MA Educational Leadership Montclair State University 2019
Hometown: Deer Park, NY
Awards: Sigma Alpha Iota Sword of Honor, Sigma Alpha Iota Ruby Sword of Honor, Greek Scholar, Presidents list, Special Education in Music Certificate
Studio Teacher: Dr. Sanders
Current Location: Living on Long Island teaching 6-8 General Music in the Copiague School District.
Favorite Crane Memory: Conducting the Clarinet Choir at my senior concert.
Advice to Undergrads: Practice your scales and aural skills. It will come back to you in the future in some way.
Nick Leonard- B.M. Music Business, B.S. Business Administration 2016
Hometown: Gouverneur, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael Sanders
Current Location: New York, NY - Client Marketing at Ticketmaster for Broadway & Broadway Across America
Favorite Crane Memory: The NAMM trip
Advice to Current Undergrads: Practice makes permanent ~Dr. Raphael Sanders
Kyle Chamberlin - B.M. Music Education 2015
Hometown: Colonie, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael Sanders Jr.
Current Location: I am in my 5th year teaching at a private, catholic JROTC leadership school in Troy, NY. I am responsible for Symphonic Band, Middle School Band, Jazz Ensemble, all woodwind, brass and percussion lessons as well as secular music for our school wide masses. I am also currently studying at Kent State University as part of their online MMME program. In addition to my school position, I do side gigs as a duo as well as part of a wedding band!
Favorite Crane Memory: I have two, I played in a world premiere of a chamber opera, which was incredible! My recital which was done with my twin brother and other twins in the building at the time!
Advice to current undergraduates: Listen and absorb everything you can from everyone you encounter. You will learn and continue to learn through teaching but most important listen to those who not only inspire but make you want to become a better player. This could be on your primary as well as secondary instruments.
Sean Spacher - B.M. in Music Education, Jazz Studies Minor 2015
Hometown: Fairport, NY
Awards: Ken Cotrell Outstanding Human Service Award, Phi Mu Alpha Chapter Service Award, Special Education Certificate, Performer's Certificate
Studio Teacher: Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Bowling Green State University: M.M. in Music Education - Instrumental Music. Director of Bands at St. Aloysius School.
Favorite Crane Memory: Being able to perform fun self-arranged pieces on recitals and events.
Advice to Current Undergrads: Make graduating from Potsdam one of the most emotionally rewarding experiences of your life! Play as much music as possible, find your best friends, and be involved! If it's hard to leave Potsdam, you've done something right!
Joseph Shy - B.M. Music Education and Clarinet performance 2014
Hometown: Brentwood, NY
Awards: Woodwind Representative for the Crane Honors Recital.
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael Sanders Jr.
Current Location: Quantico, VA. He is currently a clarinet specialist serving with the Quantico Marine Corps Band and is the Dixie Land, Jazz, and Party Band clarinetist for various small ensembles in the group.
Favorite Crane Memory: Participating in Henri Bok's masterclass at the Crane Clarinet Summit!
Advice to current undergrads: Practice makes permanent, not perfect. Also, quality over quantity - it's not about how many hours you practice each day, but how you practice and what you make of each session.
Kevin Liotta-DeVivo - B.M. in Music Education 2014
Hometown - Speonk NY
Awards - Performance Certificate, Music in Special Ed Certificate
Studio Teacher - Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location - Tampa Florida teaching K-5 General Music at Roland Park K-8 IB Magnet World School. 3-5 Chorus 3-5 World Drumming 3-5 Mallet Ensemble groups before school.
Favorite Crane Memory - Performing in Hosmer for my hour recital and surprising my parents with an arrangement for them.
Advice to current Undergrads - Don't be afraid to look outside of NY for jobs or opportunities. Moving to Florida was an amazing decision and I have not looked back! Teachers are needed down here. Reach out if you have any questions!
Paige Williams – BM Music Education 2014
Hometown: Newark, NY
Awards: Alumni scholarship, Rocque B. Dominick award
Studio Teacher: Dr. Julianne Kirk-Doyle (clarinet) and David Pittman-Jennings (voice)
Current Location: Living in Auburn, NY and teaching 5-12 vocal music at Port Byron Central School District.
Favorite Crane Memory: Performing the Britten War Requiem for the Spring Festival, and studying with Dr. Kirk-Doyle and DPJ!
Advice to current undergrads: Take pictures and save all programs of things you perform in or go to!
Matthew Zydel – BM Music Education 2014
Hometown: Elma, NY
Awards: Performance Certificate, Calvin C Gage Memorial Scholarship, Department Scholar – Music Education
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael Sanders
Current Location: Living in Poughkeepsie, NY teaching elementary general music and chorus at Arlington Central Schools
in LaGrangeville, NY.
Favorite Crane Memory: Performing the Britten War Requiem for the Spring Festival
Advice to current undergrads: Get involved in as many Crane activities and groups as possible. You may play the clarinet, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t learn something valuable in chorus!
Joe Van Ullen - BM Music Performance/Music Business 2013
Hometown: Latham, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: New York, NY working in the Development Office of OPERA America.
Favorite Crane Memory: Having the opportunity for such diverse musical experiences every day between studio, ensembles, chamber music, a capplla, musical theater, voice lessons, and countless other opportunities, all with the greatest support from every mentor I had.
Advice to undergrads: Play chamber music, even if its not for credit or without a coach. It is, in my opinion, the most rewarding music making and forces you to have your own musicality and voice, and you can make some of the best friends that way!
Matt Wurtzel - BM Music Education - 2013
Hometown: Plainview, NY
Awards: Performer's Certificate, Studio Scholarship, Rocque Dominick Award, Special Ed Certification, Robert Washburn Award to study in Spain with Henri Bok
Current Location: Teaching elementary school band in the Syosset Central School District on Long Island.
Studio Teacher: Dr. Julianne Kirk-Doyle
Favorite Crane Memory: Looping on my senior recital.
Advice to Current Students: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Julia Atkins - BM Performance, 2011/MM Performance Florida State University 2013
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Awards: Rocque F. Dominick Memorial Award & Pi Kappa Lambda
Studio teacher: Dr. Julianne Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Completed MM and PhD at Florida State - Returned to working for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra in Fayetteville, NC as Interim Executive Director after serving as the Orchestra Personnel and Marketing Manager before my PhD.
Favorite Crane memory: All of the great ensembles I got to play with, and just being with our awesome clarinet studio
Advice to current undergraduates: Work hard, play hard.
Gregory Razzano - BM Education/Performer’s Certificate, 2011
Hometown: Latham, NY
Awards: Performer’s Certificate, Department Scholar - School of Education
Studio teacher: Dr. Julianne Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Currently in a hospital internship while completing a Masters in Music Therapy through Molloy College.
Favorite Crane memory: Performing under such diverse conductors as Dr. Doyle, Mr. Andrews and Dr. Schaff.
Zachary Wachob - B.M. Music Education 2010, M.M. Music Education 2012
Hometown: Buffalo, NY Studio: Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Currently: Music Teacher at Stanley G. Falk school in Buffalo, NY. The Falk School provides educational programming for students aged 5-21, who have special leaning, social, or emotional needs. It's neat.
Favorite Crane Memory: There's a lot, truthfully. One of the first & best memories made though was as freshman, traveling to & performing at the Eastman School of Music with the Crane Clarinet Choir. We sounded good. Really good.
Advice: Do everything. Do more than I did. Attend any & all performances possible. You won't have the opportunity once you graduate. Invest in tech instruments. Do it. And remember kids, notes are like gorillas; they're subhuman.
Marshall 'Mush' Hughes - Music Education/Music Business, 2009/2010
Hometown: Hyde Park, NY
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy, Julianne Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Currently an Educational Technology Consultant for an international educational nonprofit based in Washington DC. Playing with Potsdam Community Band, St. Lawrence University Wind Ensemble, and the Potsdam-based Funk Band KTX.
Favorite Crane Memory: Convocation!
Advice to Undergrads: Time Management, and doing the hard work early as a foundation for all to come after
2000s:
Jessica Castaneda - B.M. in Music Education 2009 - Performer’s Certificate
Hometown: Middletown NY
Awards: Performer's Certificate, Roque Dominick Outstanding Clarinet Award
Studio Teachers: Dr. Woy, Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Completed a Master’s Degree at the University of Oklahoma with Dr. David Etheridge and Jozsef Balogh. Currently teaching full time on Long Island, NY.
Favorite Crane Memory: I think there are too many! Maybe one of the Summits.
Advice to current undergrads: Learn to be patient and humble. Take all you can from college but don't forget about those who helped you along the way.
Amber (Frost) Thayer - B.M. Music Educations 2009, M.M. Music Education 2010
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Studio Professors: Dr. Woy, Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Currently teaching for Cortland City Schools teaching pre-k, 5th and 6th grade and chorus. Loving my job!
Favorite Crane memory: Performing a kick ass concert in whatever ensemble I was in that year! Enjoying clarinet choir. All those little moments between classes or eating in the commons. You're in an environment with so many people, all who have an intense love for the same thing you do...MUSIC!
Advice to Undergrads: Soak up every experience they can possibly get in every area of college. Don't cloister yourself to one area or you'll go crazy. But find several different things you like. Explore, create and make mistakes in the safe environment of college at Potsdam.
Jon Goodman - B.M. Music Performance/Music Education 2009
Hometown: Manlius, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Sanders
Awards: Rocque V. Dominique Scholarship
Current Location: Greensboro, NC Repairing Instruments, freelancing, playing with a woodwind duo, GremlinsDuo (www.gremlinsduo.com), Completed the M.M. Music Performance SIUC in 2011
Favorite Crane Memory: Cookouts with the Studio
Advice to current undergrads: Practice and Have Fun!
Christine Hoerning - B.M. - Music Education/Musical Studies/Performer’s Certificate Recipient 2009
Hometown: East Islip, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: Montreal, QC - Completed a Masters in Music Performance at McGill studying with Robert Crowly, former principal clarinet of the Montreal Symphony. Currently teaching at Crane AND pursuing a Doctorate in Montreal studying with André Moisan.
Favorite Crane Memory: Clarinet Choir at Eastman
Advice to current undergrads: Practice practice practice! Its too easy to get frustrated and want to give up. Just take what people say and grow from it,learn from it. Don't put off practicing either... you can cram for tests and projects but practicing should be a priority whether you are Ed or Performance or whatever your degree program may be. Practicing is a process it needs constancy for it to really pay off. Just love what you do, love playing, love practicing, love performing. Don't lose sight of that passion you feel for your instrument and your music.
Andrew Kuftack - B.M. Music Education 2009/M.M. Music Education Five Towns College 2014
Hometown: Selden N.Y.
Awards: Performance Certificate, Third Place in the Concerto Competition.
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael P. Sanders, Jr.
Favorite Memory: Performing solo Hillendale Waltzes with the Crane Wind Ensemble.
Advice to current Undergrads: Meet new people everyday! You are going to learn about new cultures and ideas that you never learned from your hometown. Now is the chance to broaden your horizons. Introduce yourselves to people you wouldn't normally interact with. You will be surprised of all the things you will learn, not to mention the friendships you will create.
Amanda (Meliosky) Schreiner - B.M. Music Education 2009 - M.M. Music Education 2010
Hometown: Amsterdam, NY
Studio teacher: Kirk-Doyle
Current Location: North Carolina - Working in the Administration of the North Carolina Symphony
Favorite Crane memory: Playing in Clarinet Choir and the trip to Eastman!
Advice to current undergraduates: Practice your scales and sightreading!!!! ;-)
Ruth Samuels - B.M. Music Education 2009
Hometown: Sauquoit, NY
Studio teacher: Dr. Sanders and Dr. Kirk-Doyle
Awards: Crane Certificate of Merit
Current Location: I'm living in Central New York. teaching K-5 general music and 4-5 band, chorus, and orchestra in the Camden Central School District, a rural district in northeast Oneida county. Yes, it's crazy, yes, I teach strings (which I never thought I would do), and yes, I love it.
Favorite Crane memory: Going to Eastman with the clarinet choir. The convocations right before winter break. Going to the NYSSMA Winter Conference. Grabbing friends from practice rooms to go have dinner together. Taking classes and playing in ensembles with my closest friends.
Advice to current undergraduates:
1) Keep all your class notes, diversify your classes as much as possible, and practice your secondaries. You might end up with a job that involves multiple aspects of music education or even just one aspect that's out of your immediate comfort zone (like how strings were for me); with the current job market, employers are looking for well-rounded teachers and musicians.
2) Don't be afraid to talk to your professors for help, advice, or just to pick their brains! They're very helpful and experienced and they seem to really enjoy getting to know their students.
3) Get out of Crane sometimes. Go into town, go for a drive, watch a movie, whatever. Just get out of the building! If you're a music major, you undoubtedly work hard...so give yourself a break now and then.
4) Appreciate and enjoy the time you have in Potsdam with your friends.
Alexandria (Belinsky) DeVries - BM cum laude-Music Education, 2008/MM with honors-Music Performance, 2009
Hometown: Blue Point, NY
Awards: Crane Certificate of Merit, Performance Certificate, Kaplan Award (Excellence in Human Services)
Studio Teacher: Frank Wangler (2004-2005), Alan Woy (2005-2008), Julianne Kirk-Doyle (2008-2009)
Current Location: Teaching in the East Meadow School district on Long Island, NY.
Favorite Crane Memory: My favorite Crane memory was when the Wind Ensemble performed at the NYSBDA Conference in Syracuse in 2008. It was a wonderful experience and I had the opportunity to perform chamber music with Crane professors Carol Lowe, and Anna Hendrickson. It was great to be able to perform Blue Shades for the NYSBDA students who would perform it later that weekend. The students loved our performance and to this day it is my favorite CWE recording.
Advice to Current Students: Be a sponge! Use every resource you have available to you-professors, students, community members, everyone! You are in a place where music is in abundance, take advantage! Crane is a nurturing environment that is one gigantic support system. Help other students, and let them help you. You will meet some of the most wonderful people who will become your best friends and colleagues. Learn everything you can from these wonderful musicians and grow together as performers and educators. Practice your scales!
Allyson Capurso - B.M. Music Education (2007)/M.M. Music Education (2008)
Hometown: Dundee, NY
Studio Teachers: Wangler/Sanders
Current Location: Washington, D.C. teaching Pre K-8 general music at two campuses in an inner city charter school.
Favorite Crane Memory: Spending the day in the company of people who can actually sit and listen to a piece of music without talking!
Advice to current undergrads: Diversify. If you're thinking about a double major, do it. If you have any interest in special ed certification, definitely do it. When you student teach, try to get placements in different areas (general music would be good). You don't want to come out with experience in only one thing. With the economy such as it is, a lot of people with a lot of experience are looking for jobs and no one is retiring. You need to stand out!
Jonathan Shmuel - B.M. in Music Education. M.A. in Liberal Studies at Stony Brook University 2012
Hometown: East Meadow, NY
Awards: Certificate in Performance on clarinet/bass clarinet, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society
Studio Teachers: Mr. Wangler, Dr. Woy
Current Location: Currently teaching 7/8th grade band, jazz band and marching band at Hicksville Middle and High School. Private clarinet/bass clarinet teacher in Nassau county.
Favorite Crane Memory: Being able to pass my A, B and C levels in two semesters. Then doing what nobody thought was possible by being able to put on my half-hour and hour recital in my final semester at Crane; and of course hanging out on the Crane couches!!
Advice to Undergrads: Listen and observe everything around you. Not just your teachers, but also your friends. Talk to the professors not only about music but life as well there is a lot to learn in the world. Pay attention in your technique classes they are probably the most important classes for people looking for instrumental jobs (especially bassoon-those fingerings are interesting :-p). Observe, Observe and observe everything around you. You will be prepared to teach after coming out of Crane! Work as hard as you can and good things can and will happen for you. Find time to just hang out, relax and have fun. Laugh, and smile! Be positive!!
Matthew J. Sikorski - BM, Magna Cum Laude, 2008
Hometown: Mastic, Long Island, NY
Awards: Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society, 2005
Studio Teacher: Dr. Raphael Sanders, Jr.
Favorite Crane Memory: I have two great memories from the Clarinet Studio. My first would be when the Crane Clarinet Choir was invited to perform at the Eastman School of Music. It was such an amazing experience to perform in such a grand performance hall. My parents came up to watch us and were blown away. My second memory is assembling the Clarinet Broomball team during the winter. I had a great time being able to socialize with my classmates and enjoy playing an awesome game!
Advice to current Undergrads: My advice to current students would be to prioritize how you want to approach your lesson materials. Make sure you know your scales inside and out, as well as all minor modes. Think about playing everything (etudes, solos, orchestral excerpts, and even scales) with as much musicality as possible. Evoke emotion and really try to paint a picture in the listener's mind. Enjoy your four years at Crane. Time will absolutely fly by and before you know it, you will be on the job market. Have patience. You may not find a job in your field right away, but keep searching. Save your money! If you can pay off a little bit at a time of your college loans, do so!
Jessica Schreiner - B.M. Music Education (2008)
Hometown: Burnt Hills, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Woy/Dr. Kirk
Currently: Received MM in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado (June 2009); K-12 music teacher in Ekalaka, MT
Favorite Crane Memory: Rockin' in the clarinet-turned-trombone section in Community Band
Advice: Play rugby. No, seriously...maybe not rugby, but do something outside of Crane. Music is nice, but it shouldn't be your entire world. After hours and hours of classes and practicing in a windowless building, you need to do something else to keep yourself sane.
Matthew Sikorski - B.M. Music Education, Magna Cum Laude -2008
Hometown: Mastic, Long Island, NY
Studio teacher: Dr. Sanders
Awards: Phi Eta Sigma Freshmen Honor Society (April 2005)
Current Location: Teaching part time instrumental music (recorders and band/lessons) to grades K-6 at Raynor Country Day School (private school) on Long Island and teaching General Music one day a week at the Sagaponack Common School (Sagaponack School District) on Long Island. I also teach students privately on the weekend.
Favorite Crane memory: Too many to list, but the biggest event I was involved in was when the Clarinet Choir was invited to perform at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. It was an honor and pleasure to be able to play in such a wonderful music hall!
Advice to current undergrads: The job search these days is extremely limited throughout not only New York, but all of the United States. Be sure to network with people in your local school districts and even get your name out there by grabbing a few private students. This may help you in the long run when applying for music vacancies. Also, college isn't always a party scene. Take your classwork/homework and practice/playing sessions seriously during the week- you will have plenty of socializing time on the weekends. Deadlines for term papers and recitals/juries/levels come up on you very quickly and if you're not prepared, it will show!
Jamie Szafran - B.M. Music Studies/B.A Computer Science/Math - 2008, (M.S Computer Science, University at Buffalo, 2010)
Hometown: Niagara Falls, NY
Studio Teacher: Craig/Kirk-Doyle
(Undergraduate) Awards: I was a member of the Honors Program at SUNY Potsdam, and was a member of the following undergraduate honour societies: Phi Eta Sigma (freshmen), Kappa Delta Pi (education), Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Phi Kappa Phi (general high scholarship). I also received the Stillman Excellence Award and the Ada Byron Countess of Lovelace Prize.
Current Location: I'm a Computer Engineer with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, currently working on the Spaceport Command and Control System, the launch control system for the Artemis Program (human spaceflight). I also do a lot of educational outreach as part of my job! Outside of work, I'm a former treasurer/member of the board of directors of FamiLAB makerspace, a member of the Central Florida Winds, a triathlete, a teacher, an archer, and an avid gamer.
Favorite Crane Memory: It's hard to pick just one. I loved being surrounded with and immersed in an environment of music; living, breathing, sleeping, and eating music with others who were similarly devoted and educated. I also loved directing/conducting/running the Crane Handbell Choirs for 3 wonderful years. But one of the memories that I still think about a lot is one year at the Crane Convocation, when Brock McElheran was still alive; he'd always conducted the closing Silent Night at convocation, and that year, he was very ill and couldn't be there. So a large group of us left afterward, went to his house, filled his living room, and sang Silent Night for him. There were very few dry eyes there that night.
Advice to current undergrads: Aim high, run fast, work hard, learn everything you can, make friends, advocate for the things you believe in, and push for the goals you want to reach, but don't forget to have fun. Music school is *tough*; do lots of diverse things in music, but also do something outside of music, both to make you well-rounded and keep you sane. It's easy to burn out if everything becomes a slog. Take care of yourselves and your fellow students. We're all in this together!
Elizabeth Widzinski - B.M. Music Performance/Music Business - 2008
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Studio Teacher: Raphael Sanders
Current Location: Completed a Masters at Wichita State University and now serving as Adjunct Clarinet Professor, SUNY Fredonia.
Favorite Crane Memory: Playing Astor Piazzolla tangos with my sister and best friends on my senior recital.
Advice to Current Undergrads: Try everything your teachers suggest, even if you don't agree with it, just try it. Most of the time there is no right or wrong answer.
Julie Taylor - B.M. Music Education 2007
Hometown: Fairport, NY
Studio Teacher: Dr. Alan Woy, Dr. Raphael Sanders, Dr. Julianne Kirk Doyle studio
Awards: Trailblazer scholarship, Performance Certificate in clarinet.
Graduate Degrees: MM in Music Education from Ithaca College, 2011.
Current location: Guilderland, NY going into my teaching my 10th year at Bethlehem Central Middle School in Delmar, NY. Local performer in the Capital Region. Favorite Crane Memory: Pretty much all of my performances throughout the years: Crane Clarinet choir performing at Eastman, my 10 min/half hour/senior hour recital, Concert band/Symphonic band/Wind ensemble/Orchestra; wonderful performances with very talented conductors!
Advice to current undergrads: Learn your scales early! Don't box yourself into one track. Soak in everything you can. Play in as many musical groups possible. If you're Music Ed then learn EVERYTHING you can when you're taking your tech classes.
Jamie LaBarge (Morter) - B.M. Music Education cum laude 2007; M.M Music Education 2010
Hometown: Malone NY
Studio teacher: Alan Woy
Current Location: I live in Norfolk NY and have taught band 5-12 in Brasher Falls NY. I'm currently a Principal!
Favorite Crane memory: Sitting on the couches
Advice to current undergraduates: Try to breathe and enjoy things because you spend a lot of time plowing through and then it's over.
Christine M Astafan (Barcellino) - B.M. Music Education 2006
Hometown: Valley Stream NY
Studio teacher: Mr. Wangler, Dr. Sanders
Current Location: Camillus NY, Band Teacher at West Genesee Central School District teaching grades 5-8
Favorite Crane memory: Taking a trip to Ottawa to watch a performance with students
from Dr. Woy’s and Mr. Wangler’s studio
Advice to current undergraduates: Focus on success in school and performance.
Scott Vorwald - BM Education/Performance Certificate/Jazz Studies, 2006
Hometown: Stony Brook NY
Studio teacher: Dr. Woy/Dr. Sanders
Current Location: Currently the high school band director at Hudson High School
Favorite Crane memory: Clarinet Choir. Where else are you going to get to play with a group like that!
Advice to undergrads: Play in everything you can in every style you can. Never turn down a chance to learn something new.
Derek Balcom - B.M. Music Education and Performer’s Certificate 2005
Hometown: Guilderland, NY
Awards: Teach Music in NYC Scholastic Award, Crane Concert Band Student Conductor winner
Studio Teacher: Frank Wangler
Current Location: New York, NY, Education Coordinator, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Favorite Crane Memory: There are too many to pick just one!
Advice to current undergrads: Practice your scales!!! Be sure to balance your workload--academics, practicing, and having fun. Play chamber music (and not just clarinet quartets, etc.)-- you'll learn a lot about standard rep and composer's style, as well as have a lot of fun.
Amanda Burdick - BM Music Education/Psychology minor 2004
Hometown: Lockport NY
Studio Teacher: Gordon Craig/Dr. Alan Woy
Current Location: Youngstown NY teaching grades 7-12 band at Lewiston-Porter CSD and clarinet section leader of the Erie County Wind Ensemble.
Favorite Crane Memory: Playing Aegean Festival in the Wind Ensemble, and during a rehearsal the clarinets nailed a difficult section, and Dr. T stopped rehearsal to tell us how magnificent it was! Of course, we never quite nailed it the same way again!
Advice to Current Students: Practicing is essential to your success, especially technical exercises. However, don't be afraid to try new things! There are so many clubs and organizations on campus, a cappela groups, and many different opportunities. For example, Potsdam has a great Psychology Dept! I also did a Winterim study abroad theater class in London-awesome experience!
Richard Viglucci - B.M. - Music Performance 2004
Hometown: Delmar, NY
Awards: Winner in the 2003 Crane School of Music Concerto Competition; performance of Copland’s Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp & Piano with the Crane Symphony Orchestra; 2004 recipient of the Crane Certificate of Merit, Rocque E. Dominick Memorial Award, and Crane Certificate of Honor in Music Performance.
Studio Teacher: Dr. Alan Woy
Current Location: Currently playing in the US Army Band FORSCOM. Was recently the Hixson-Lied Fellow and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, working towards a D.M.A. in clarinet performance, studying with Dr. Diane Barger I'm now a contacted member of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra as their 3rd/Bass/Eb clarinetist.
Favorite Crane Memory: Too many! Playing chamber music, walks to Strawberry Fields, early music ensemble, contemporary music ensemble, sitting on the couches socializing.
Advice to Undergrads: Don't take the opportunities Crane offers for granted. If there is one thing I learned after leaving was how amazingly special my education and experience at Crane was. Soak up all you can from all the teachers at Crane and your peers.
1990s:
Christine Coon Barron - BM Performance 1990
Hometown: St. Albans, VT
Current Location: Orlando, FL. I am teaching at Rollins College in Winter Park, teaching applied clarinet lessons at various local schools and have a private studio. I am freelancing, and playing lots!
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy
Awards: Rocque F Dominick Memorial Award, Franklin Bishop Memorial Award
Favorite Crane Memory: lessons with Dr Woy, WW Quintets, lots of Chamber Music, NUMA, spending time with friends!
Advice to Current Undergrads: Keep a good balance of work & fun! Work hard and stay focused always, but allow yourself to enjoy some downtime also, and take in all the good things that Potsdam has to offer.
Dr. Michelle Shoemaker - B.M. Clarinet Performance and Musical Studies - 1995
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Current location/job: Newton, MA/ All Newton Music School/ Assistant Director
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy
Awards: Rocque Dominick
Favorite Crane Memory: Playing in the Crane Opera Orchestra
Advice to Current Undergrads: Enjoy the moment(s), but also keep your short and long term goals in sight!
Kristin Dillenbeck - BM Music Education 1996
Hometown: Norwood, NY
Current Location: Searching for a music position back in NY state after being away for 13 years. Had a great time teaching in GA, Belgium, VA, MD, and hopefully soon in NY:)
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy
Awards: Rocque Dominique award
Favorite Crane Memory: Too many!
Advice to Current Undergrads: Keep practicing:) If you are planning on teaching in public schools, get certified in more than one area!
1980s:
Dr. Linda Cionitti - BM Music Education and Performer's Certificate 1982
Hometown: Rochester, NY (Churchville-Chili High School)
Current Location: Professor of Music, Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA and freelance musician with area symphonies (Savannah and Augusta GA, Hilton Head, SC)
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy
Awards: Rocque F. Dominique Award, Semifinalist in the 1990 Geneva International Music Competition. Performance of "E-Type Jag," from my recent album, considered for a 2010 Grammy. The album "Jag & Jersey" featuring Dr. Alan Woy, is available at cdbaby.com
Favorite Crane Memory: Participating in the music for the 1980 Olympics, especially playing the for the Gold Medal Hockey team and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Advice to Current Undergrads: Practice every day but practice with a purpose. Plan what you will practice each day before you get out your instrument. Don't just meander through your music. Have daily goals that lead to short and then long-term goals. Keep playing and improving to be the best musician you can be for you never know where it will lead you!
TerryAnn Gerber - BM Music Education 1980
Current Location: Baldwinsville, NY teaching middle school in Baldwindsville Central Schools, and playing clarinet in the Central Winds, Silverwood Clarinet Choir and Quartet.
Studio Teacher: Alan Woy
Favorite Crane Memory: Wind Ensemble with Tony Maiello, Studio with Dr. Woy and the 1980 winter olympics.
Advice to current undergrads: Hang in, the teaching jobs profession will get better!!! I love every minute of it!
Melinde M. Poupore - B.M. Music Education 1979/ M.M. Performance 1983
Hometown: Clarence, NY
Current Location: Recently Retired HS Band Director/Co-Coordinator of Music Malone Central AND President of the New York State Band Director's Association (first female in the organization’s history)
Studio Teacher: Frank Wangler & Alan Woy
Awards: Rocque Dominic Award, Laurena Ramsdell Scholarship, Helen Hosmer Outstanding Alumni Award
Favorite Crane Memory: Meeting friends at "the couches"
Advice to Current Undergrads: Listen to your mentors and take their advice!!!
1970s:
Wally Seibel - BS MusEd 1968/MS MusEd 1971
Hometown: North Babylon, L.I.
Current Location: Potsdam, N.Y. Came here and never left! Founded Northern Music in 1975; subsequently became Northern Music & Video in 1985 when we moved to our current location at 29 Market St. Added the TV Center at 25 Market St. in 1993. Founded "Jake's on the Water" in 2014.
Studio Teacher: Dr. Dominick - Yes, there really was a Rocque Dominick! He taught me every alternate fingering known to man. And I learned how to sight read pretty well under Dr. Dominick because that's how I went into quite a few of my lessons.
Favorite Crane Memory: Monday night Wind Ensemble rehearsals under Willard Musser...grueling...stressful. Performing the opening concert at the 1969 All-Eastern Convention. It was the culmination of a wind ensemble tour that ended in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, we got snowed out at every concert stop along the way. So Mr. Musser called a 6 a.m. rehearsal the morning of our performance. 8:30 a.m., curtain up...we nailed it. Crane Chorus was a kick back then. Rehearsals twice a week all year long. Everyone participated. Even guys like me with questionable singing ability rose to the occasion with guest conductors like Robert Shaw, Michael Tilson-Thomas and Aaron Copland. Dr. Hosmer would stop by quite often to give us an inspirational pep talk. She was a wonderful, powerful lady. Performing in the Crane Jazz Ensemble. Faculty director Sandy Feldstein approached Dr. Hosmer in 1966 to make the band an official Crane ensemble. Prior to that time, we were not allowed to rehearse or perform in Crane
Favorite After-Crane Memories: Performing at the National Arts Center in Ottawa, Place des Arts in Montreal and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in big bands backing up popular artists of the day like Mel Torme, Bobby Vinton, Pat & Debbie Boone and the Fifth Dimension. More recently, performing with my own big band for CYM with guest artists like Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, Dennis Mackrel and so many others. Performing John Pizzarelli's "Tribute to Sinatra" on the CPS Guest Artist series recently was a musical high. I'm honored and humbled to currently perform on bass clarinet in Northern Symphonic Winds, the Potsdam Clarinet Quartet and the Orchestra of Northern New York
Advice to Current Undergrads: Clarinet is our first love, but keep your options open. Get proficient on sax. Play a little flute. If you're getting a performance degree, you'd better be the best performer there is if you expect to get a job performing--at least one that pays money. If you're getting a teaching degree, be ready for anything. Having a 6A high school wind ensemble may be your dream, but you just might end up having to conduct a chorus, or a jazz ensemble, or a marching band or even do general music classes. Things are tough out there right now.