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\n“I am a choral music education major and am lucky to have the opportunity to [also] music direct at MoCo Arts in Keene, New Hampshire, in their Elementary Musical Program. All of the skills I have gained over the course of the past semesters have helped me to better understand vocal pedagogy, and how to help inspire a true appreciation of music. <\/p>\n
Dr. Sandra Howard has been an incredible influence on me during my time at Keene State College. She is an incredible professor who, not only helps us grow musically but, makes sure we understand the WHY behind everything we are doing.”\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n \nKeene State College is proud to announce that Victoria Young is the recipient of The Presser Foundation\u2019s 2024-25 Undergraduate Scholar Award. The Award is designed to encourage and support the education of a music student who has achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.<\/p>\n In the department, Victoria is held in high regard by student peers and faculty. She promotes a welcoming energy and works to include campus and greater community partners in our events. She is the primary tutor for the music theory curriculum bringing first-generation students up to standard in the coursework. She was voted by her peers as the KSC Concert Band outstanding member of the year for her work to support the musical, social and emotional needs of ensemble members. Victoria was a huge administrative force in the creation of a multi-day, international symposium on music equity, inclusion and diversity advancing the Mission of Keene State forward. In the community setting, Victoria works as a K-12 public school substitute teacher and an intern for the summer Tanglewood Music Institute where she cultivates a positive and supportive learning community for young and adolescent learners. <\/p>\n The Presser Foundation, formed by music educator and publisher Theodore Presser, provides philanthropic support of music and serves a broad and diverse community of musicians, educators, and music lovers. To honor Mr. Presser\u2019s commitment to music education, The Presser Foundation supports undergraduate students across the country committed to advancing music through their studies. <\/p>\n We are happy to present this prestigious Award to support and recognize Victoria Young\u2019s work.\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “I am currently student teaching in Peterborough, New Hampshire, at South Meadow School, working with choirs from grades 5-8. I have been strongly influenced by many of the classes I\u2019ve taken here at KSC and even more so by the professors. Every semester at KSC I have taken voice lessons with Dr. Carberg and he has always pushed me to be the best musician and student I could be. <\/p>\n A class that influenced me greatly as a musician was jazz combos which was led by Steve Cady. In that class, I really learned how to express myself musically and was given an opportunity to hone my skills on bass and to develop my own improvisational voice. Another professor who has greatly influence my teaching philosophy is Dr. Howard, who taught me a great deal in choral music education, concert choir and my student conducting. And her passion for choral education continues to inspire me today.<\/p>\n Over my years at KSC I\u2019ve taken numerous classes on music theory, history, pedagogy and music education which have all helped me learn the content knowledge and teaching skills needed to be a successful music educator.” <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keene State College prides itself on being a welcoming and supportive community where students make friendships that last a lifetime. Even though students can no longer interact in-person, they are getting creative and finding ways to connect online. Music education majors Will Wright \u201920, Jason Coburn \u201920, and Andy LeCuyer \u201920 have been recording music together and sharing their virtual performances on social media.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor us, it\u2019s the closest thing we have to performing the songs we\u2019ve been practicing for Jazz Ensemble,\u201d said Will of Holden, MA, who\u2019s instrumental specialization is the trombone. \u201cAlso, our social media feeds feel full of upsetting content, so this is our way of adding a moment of positivity or escape for our friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also fun! We\u2019re all musicians \u2013 we live to play,\u201d added Andy of Milford, NH, who\u2019s specializing in the drums. \u201cWe went from playing music and being around music for 8 to 10 hours a day, to nothing. We\u2019re hungry to make music and this is our way to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, this is a way to get closure on the semester since we moved to remote learning so quickly. We can still feel like we\u2019re at school and reflect back on what we\u2019ve done, because we\u2019ve performed a lot through the years and learned a lot of music. So, it\u2019s nice to have a way to make music remotely,\u201d continued Jason of Londonderry, NH, who\u2019s specialization is the piano.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When they\u2019re not jamming out, Will, Jason, and Andy are remote student teaching at Keene Middle School, Keene High School, and Rindge Memorial School respectively this semester. \u201cThe music education program at Keene State is really strong. We\u2019re learning how to teach a wide range of students from K to 12,\u201d Jason said. \u201cWe also get a lot of student teaching experience, plus the ensemble performing groups.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeene has a really vibrant music scene,\u201d added Will. \u201cWe\u2019ve had fun playing in community groups such as the Keene Jazz Orchestra, which was founded by former Keene State Music Professor Scott Mullett. In addition, the music department has become our second family. Since needing to rework our student teaching plans to online learning, the professors have been so supportive. Knowing our professors are in the same boat as us is comforting.\u201d<\/p>\n To create these virtual short concerts, the students record their parts individually and compile them using an app called Acapella. Enjoy one of their recent virtual performances, \u201cThe Jazz Police\u201d by Gordon Goodwin featuring Will on the trombone, Jason on the piano, and Andy on the drums, below. Visit Will\u2019s Instagram account @Will_Wright_Music<\/a> for more mini shows.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dept.keene.edu\/music\/files\/2025\/02\/ToriYoung2-219x300.png\")
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\nBM Music Performance ’25<\/em>
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\nBM Music Education (Choral) & BM Vocal Performance ’25<\/em>
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