NY. Ehren has participated in NYSSMA at the highest level (6) with a fantastic score of 98.

Ehren’s advice to younger musicians in the district is “Take any opportunities you can! You'll never know who you'll meet in a festival or trying something you might come to love such as fiddle club!”  Ehren has already completed 2 student teaching experiences of 50+ hours each at the elementary and middle levels and worked up to being able to conduct a concert as part of the Saratoga Youth Symphony concert this past Sunday. He did fantastic!

Next fall, Ehren plans to continue his music education at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam studying Music Education.  He is well on his way to becoming a music teacher down the road, maybe even in Saratoga.

With this scholarship, Ehren notes: “I would be able to spend less time working a job and can focus on my education and try new things, so I have plenty of experience to bring to the classroom.”

FOM presented Ehren with a $500 scholarship check on behalf of Saratoga Springs Friends of Music.  Please help us congratulate Ehren!

He also received the soloist award at the Fonda Fultonville jazz festival, and a full scholarship to attend The Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute.

Braydon’s advice to younger musicians in the district is “transcribe more, play with others as soon as you can, and record yourself as much as possible.” He also shared that he is the first musician in his family, and his first experience in a school related ensemble was in 10th grade jazz band.

Next fall, Braydon plans to continue his music education at Belmont University in Nashville, TN studying music production and engineering. He plans to use both his education and networking opportunities during his time at Belmont to work in a recording studio in Nashville. One day, he would like to produce music of his own.

Braydon also shared this: “this scholarship will help me, and my family pay the education I have worked tirelessly for.”

FOM presented Braydon with a $500 scholarship check on behalf of Saratoga Springs Friends of Music.  Please help us congratulate Braydon!

This talented singer has also participated in Saratoga Regional Youth Arts productions of Seussical Jr. and The Lion King Jr. in 2018 and Saratoga Children's Theatre productions of James and the Giant Peach Jr. in 2019, Moana Jr. in 2021, and Pippin in 2021. At NYSMAA, Levi sang at Level 6 (the highest level) and scored a near-perfect 99.

Next fall, Levi will continue their music education at SUNY Fredonia pursuing a BFA in Acting with a concentration in Musical Theater/Vocal Performance and hopes to go on to become a professional singer/actor/theatrical performer, but says “my big dream is to be in a Broadway show”. 

Advice shared by Levi for younger students in the district is this “Take care of your instrument (in my case, voice - hydration, diet, proper technique) and say "yes"! 2. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, put yourself out there (experience is how you grow), take any opportunity available to you. 3. Be prepared to hear "no". Rejection is part of the business, so be prepared for the possibility of hearing "no", but don't let it stop you from saying "yes".”

Levi also noted: “This scholarship would help me graduate with less student loan debt, which would make it easier for me to pursue a career in musical theater. Having 2 siblings in college at the same time can be financially challenging and this scholarship would help ease that burden.”

FOM presented Levi with a $500 scholarship check on behalf of Saratoga Springs Friends of Music.  Please help me congratulate Levi!