Where are the Souza scholars now?

Central Valley - As a Monroe-Woodbury School Board member and Souza chairman, I am often asked, “Why do you do it” - you know, all the thankless work, such as juggling preparations for Souza’s Christmas Carol (opening this weekend) and the holiday honey-do lists of my wife Carole. While I can’t speak for my fellow board members or Souza colleagues, it’s fair to say that a good amount of this work is done, simply put, “for the kids.” If you’ve been reading anything about our upcoming show and Bob Souza, you already know that he was a master music teacher who instilled the love of music and the spirit of “giving back” in his students. Souza’s “other-centered” spirit is reflected in both the upcoming Christmas Carol performances (see “If You Go”) and in the young people from scholarships past who have received awards in his name. Here are three examples: • Joe Horner, 1985 recipient. Currently high school band director/fine arts chairperson at Minisink Valley, Horner also plays with the New York Swing Exchange, a 17-piece big band which performs locally. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance from Ithaca College and a Masters degree in music education from Queens College. Horner actually knew Bob Souza, not as a teacher, but as a neighbor: “I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mr. Souza. I knew everyone in his family and respected him deeply. It was an honor for me to be a recipient of the Souza scholarship. “The music program at M-W influenced me greatly. I had wonderful, encouraging teachers all throughout my schooling at M-W.” But as to who was the greatest musical influence in his life, Horner said: “My father showed me the glory and ecstasy within every musical phrase in a good piece of music. I would like to hand down the beauty of music to my three sons the way my father did for his children. I’m currently teaching my oldest boy piano.” Asked how his musical training helped him in other areas of life, he answered: “The discipline it takes to be a real good musician carries through in everything I do.” And what advice would he give aspiring musical performers and music teachers? “Remember that after college, learning is just beginning. Keep an open mind and reflect on all of your experiences, both good and bad, to make yourself and your teaching better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” • Michael Mastronicola, 1990 recipient. Currently living in Boulder, Colorado, he is Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church and also performs with the Boulder Chorale. During 2005, he was selected to be the coach accompanist and harpsichordist with the Opera Colorado Outreach Ensemble. His most recent recording is a collaboration with soprano Tresa Waggoner. He received a bachelor of music degree from Ithaca College in 1994, a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2000; he will receive the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 2008. He has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Colorado-Boulder, Front Range Community College, and the Rochester City School District. Regarding his Souza award, Mastronicola remembered: “It was a strong confidence boost for me. I felt the interview process itself was an excellent experience and good preparation for many future interviews. The award was very helpful to me as I prepared to attend my first year of college. “I’m delighted to know the Souza Scholarship continues to help worthy performing arts students.” • Michael Tiscione, 1996 recipient. Tiscione now lives in the Atlanta area where he is a member of the trumpet section of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO). In addition, he maintains a private teaching studio at home and is a teaching affiliate at Emory University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University in 2001 and his Master’s from Northwestern University in 2002. According to Tiscione, not only did winning the Souza Scholarship help him financially as he pursued his musical dreams, but also “having the support of the committee who selected me was a huge boost for my confidence going into my first years of college.” He also credits the M-W music program for laying the groundwork of his success. “There were always very fine instructors and talented students for me to learn from and look up to. It helped give me drive and direction for what I would like to pursue professionally.” In 2002, he achieved his “chair” in ASO after an intense audition process that began with 300 applicants for one position, was then reduced to 125 players auditioning over 4 days, and further reduced to 17 finalists playing over the course of 3 more days, anonymously behind a screen. Asked about the concept of “giving back,” Tiscione noted: “In my teaching studios, if I am able to inspire a joy of trumpet and music in my students’ lives, it’s really a great feeling for me.” And what advice would he give to young, prospective musical performers or music teachers? “Listen to music as often as you can and always work hard!” If You Go: Jon Huberth stars in the Robert W. Souza Scholarship for the Performing Arts’ latest fundraising presentation, “Mr. Dickens Reads ‘A Christmas Carol.’” This staged reading will be presented in five performances at the Sapphire Elementary Little Theater, 159 Harriman Heights Road, in Harriman. Show times are 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 23, and 7 p.m. on both Saturday Dec. 15 and 22. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. For more information, call 928-2613. Consult the M-W District Web site or WHUD Radio for information about potential weather-related performance cancellations.