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ESYO French Horn Player Awarded the 2022 Barry Richman Careers in Music Scholarship

Each spring ESYO awards an outstanding senior the Barry Richman Careers in Music Scholarship.  Named in honor of ESYO Co-founder, current board member, and Albany Symphony percussionist Barry Richman, this award is presented to the senior who best exemplifies the goals and standards of their ensemble, has made outstanding musical contributions, exhibits the skills needed to succeed in music, and is pursuing a music career.  ESYO is delighted to present this year's award to Kate Szumowski. 

Kate has been an outstanding member of Symphony Orchestra this past season, which marked 5 years playing with ESYO.  

In addition to the French Horn, which she plays in Symphony Orchestra, Kate is an accomplished singer and pianist, plays the violin and mandolin, and has been a member of seven different music ensembles at her school. Kate's musical endeavors include memberships in the Mohawk Valley Chamber Ensemble & Chorale, the Capital Region Wind Ensemble, the Gloversville Civic Band, NYSSMA All State Band, Area All State, and All County. 

“Music has the ability to connect all who experience it; the musicians, conductor, and audience all share a human experience unlike any other.”

Kate Szumowski, ESYO Class of 2022

MG 9310 reducedA powerful moment occurred for her when she was playing Tchiakovsky's "Romeo & Juliet" last year with the Symphony Orchestra. She writes, " I recall how elated I was playing the soaring "Juliet" horn line. I suddenly had the thought: I want to do this for the rest of my life."

The ESYO Team applauds her remarkable progress, and looks forward to see where her passions will lead her, and what accomplishments certainly await. This fall, Kate will cross the pond to pursue a degree in French Horn Performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she will just as surely make her mark, as she has in ESYO and our musical community.  The conductors and staff at ESYO wish Kate all the best in her future endeavors, and encourage her to keep finding the joy. 

 Congratulations, Kate!