Friends of Music

At the Senior Award Ceremony on May 27 two Shenendehowa seniors, Laura Duclos and Kathryn Fitzmorris, were awarded the FOMS Music Awards.

Our congratulations go to Laura Duclos, the recipient of the FOMS Music Award. Laura embodies the goals of the Friends of Music of Shenendehowa—she has made music a part of his education and has grown as an individual through music. Among her many music activities, Laura has played cello since 4^th grade and has been in the HSE Chamber Orchestra for three years. She has been a member of the Capital District Youth Chorale since 5^th grade. Laura has been in the Tri-M Music Honor Society since 10^th grade and has been its president for the last year. For her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, Laura collected instruments and started an after-school music program at an inner-city school in Troy. Along with four volunteers, they gave nine 6^th graders weekly music lessons. In her application essay Laura says, “This experience has taught me that serving the community with music is just as important as becoming an individual musician, and that by sharing my ability I can make an impact that is truly remarkable.” Laura will be attending SUNY Geneseo.

We also congratulate Kathryn Fitzmorris, the recipient of the Dusty LaPlante Memorial Music Award. This award was founded to honor the memory of Mr. Dusty LaPlante, a music teacher at Shenendehowa who passed away in 2006. The award is presented to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in music. Kathryn has demonstrated a commitment to music through her role as a Shen musician and her future plans to be a music educator. Kathyrn has been a vocalist and violinist since elementary school. In high school she has been in the String Orchestra, Mostly A Cappella, and Choraliers. She is a member of the Capital District Youth Chorale, a vocalist at the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, and has been in musicals inside and outside of school. Kathryn has been a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society since 10^th grade. In her application essay Kathryn says, “I want to reach as many people as possible, and help them love music.” Kathyrn will be attending the College of Saint Rose majoring in music education and possibly vocal performance. She would like to teach in a public school and someday open a performing arts studio.