IN MEMORY OF Cindy BOYKA
This scholarships for 2022 have been granted to the following recipients in memory of Cindy Boyka who immersed herself in music throughout her life. Cindy spent twenty-one years as an elementary educator in Saratoga Springs. She first taught in the district at Lake Avenue School, but for most of her career she was a teacher at Dorothy Nolan Elementary.
Cindy’s love of music manifested itself in many ways. She not only taught students in school but gave private voice and piano lessons from home. One of her favorite past times was sitting at her baby grand piano playing songs and singing with her grandchildren.
Cindy also performed with multiple local theater groups and became a member of Skidmore Chorus. She was the Choir Director at her church in Saratoga Springs, as well as the director of The Nolannaires, a choral group of faculty and staff at the Dorothy Nolan school.
Cindy shared her talent, her humor, and her kindness with everyone she met. Singing brought her such joy that all she had to do was hear a familiar lyric or tune, and she was treating everyone nearby to a song. Her nickname of “Songbird” was more than fitting.
Cindy knew in high school (just like the recipients) that she wanted to surround her life with music. She joined the choir, studied piano, and performed in theater. Cindy went on to graduate from Western Connecticut State College with her degree in music education.
As dear friends of Cindy, we are pleased to award this gift through the Saratoga Friends of Music group. We know Cindy would be so honored that this opportunity of a scholarship is being passed along to you. Her impact on the music community will be felt and remembered for a very long time. Our hope is that you will continue to follow your love of music in pursuing your college degree and in sharing your talent with others. Our best wishes go out to the three of you.
2022 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Chloe Casavant
Instruments you play/voice and number of years of playing this instruments:
I play Alto, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones, however Alto is my main instrument. I started Clarinet in 5th grade to switch to Saxophone, which is what most people do. I switched at the end of 5th grade, and have consistently played since. (8 years)
Musical Ensemble(s) you have participated in and years of participation:
I was in concert band 6th-8th grade and then auditioned in 8th grade to be in the high school Symphonic band in 9th. I ended up being the only freshman that year to get in. This same year, I was also part of All-County. And then in Sophomore year, Mr. Lee asked me if I wanted to join the Jazz Band since they were short a saxophone player. I continued to be in Symphonic 9th-12th grade and I was in Jazz 10th and 12th. I also participated in Skidmore community band in 10th and 12th grade, taking a break in Junior year due to COVID.
Musical Awards/Recognition you have received:
Other than NYSSMA, this is the only Musical Recognition I received.
NYSMMA Participation/Level Achieved:
I have done NYSSMA every year except Senior year. Last year was my hardest level, which I played level six All-State and scored a 97. Unfortunately, I did not make it into All-State. The years prior, I had went up a level each year until I reached level six.
College you will be attending and degree you are pursuing:
I will be going to SUNY Purchase for their BFA Conservatory program for Theater Design and Technology.
Future Career Plans/Hopes:
I hope to pursue Professional Stage Management in the professional theater world, whether that’s on Broadway, in Vegas or another professional theater company.
How does this scholarship help you in the future:
Not only will this will help me pay my college tuition, but it will help my academic performance because it takes away part of the financial stress of college.
Advice for younger musicians in the district (elementary/middle school students):
Don’t stop!! Many times in my musical career I have been tempted to just stop because of frustration or musical burnout. However, every time I pushed through the hard patches, I experienced a musical achievement which I wouldn’t have if I gave up. Music has been the back bone to my high school career and was definitely the best academic choice I made.
Any other information about family/music/other achievements (sports)/etc.
Theater and Stage Management is my passion, but if I didn’t have all the musical training that I have under my belt, I wouldn’t be half as passionate as I am about it. The competition I experienced in music definitely helped me in the theatre world. As well as the ability to read music. Many stage managers do not know how to read music, which you absolutely need to be able to do in musical theatre.
MARIA SABLICH
Instruments you play/voice and number of years of playing this instruments:
I have been singing and playing piano for 9 years
Musical Ensemble(s) you have participated in and years of participation:
I have participated in Choraliers at the High School for 3 years
Musical Awards/Recognition you have received:
Certificate of Achievement in Music – University Theory (2021)
NYSMMA Participation/Level Achieved:
I have participated in NYSSMA since 6th grade, each year receiving an “outstanding” score. In my junior year (2021), I did a level 6 and got a 100, earning me a spot as an alternate in All-State
College you will be attending and degree you are pursuing:
NYU Tisch School of the Arts; BFA in Musical Theatre
Future Career Plans/Hopes:
I plan to work hard at NYU studying music and theater. I will continue my musical journey as well, by taking theory, singing, and piano lessons. Following college, I hope to audition and perform professionally in the city and in national tours/productions. Someday, I hope to share all I learn with the younger generation.
How does this scholarship help you in the future:
I am honored to have received this scholarship and will put the money towards college. This will help me pay for NYU!
Advice for younger musicians in the district (elementary/middle school students):
Don’t give up on what you love to do, even if rejections pile up. If you work hard for the things you want to achieve in your life and have fun with what you’re passionate about, you're gold!
Any other information about family/music/other achievements (sports)/etc.
I am a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. I voluntarily cantor at my church each Sunday and lead the congregation through song and prayer. Recently, I was one of five High School women nominated for Best Actress in Proctor's High School Musical Theatre Awards (2022).
Any Fun Fact(s):
I absolutely love dogs and Disney World. Also, my music taste is all over the place… I love Taylor Swift, Eminem, and even country!
Kiana Villafana
Instruments you play/voice and number of years of playing this instruments:
I played viola for 8 years! I sung soprano in a school choir for 3 years.
Musical Ensemble(s) you have participated in and years of participation:
I was in concert orchestra for 1 year, chamber orchestra for 1, and currently in symphonic orchestra!
Musical Awards/Recognition you have received:
As far as I know, this would be the only music award I have received.
NYSMMA Participation/Level Achieved:
I did NYSSMA for viola for 2 years. The first was a level 4 trio and we got 28/28! The other was a level 5 piece, and I got a 96!
College you will be attending and degree you are pursuing:
I will be attending Buffalo State College and going into Music Education, specifically orchestral.
Future Career Plans/Hopes:
My plan will be to teach a string orchestra at any level!
How does this scholarship help you in the future:
This scholarship will greatly help in my journey to pursue my dream job!
Advice for younger musicians in the district (elementary/middle school students):
My advice to younger musicians is to never give up and have lots of patience and determination for yourself. It takes lots of that and practice to get to this point!
Any other information about family/music/other achievements (sports)/etc.
My biggest supporter of my dream in music has always been my dad. Unfortunately, he unexpectedly passed in 2021 and it shattered many hearts including mine. I bet he's still listening from up above and that is what keeps me motivated to keep going.