2021 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award Presented to Crane School of Music Alumnus Russell Faunce ’82 of Black River, N.Y.
The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association recently honored Russell Faunce ’82 of Black River, N.Y., with the 2021 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award, during the College’s Virtual Reunion.
The Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award is presented each year to Crane School of Music alumni in public school music education who have demonstrated exemplary service in any of the areas of choral, instrumental or general music education. Faunce was honored in recognition of his years of dedication to fostering the music education community in New York State.
About the recipient:
While many music teachers across the state have experience with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA), only one serves as the organization’s president elect. Currently, that esteemed position is held by Russell Faunce ’82.
After graduating with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Crane School of Music, Russ went on to establish a successful 34-year choral teaching career in the Watertown City Schools. During his tenure, he developed an extensive background in choral music, music theory, class piano and musical theatre. His choirs regularly received “gold with distinction” ratings at NYSSMA festivals, and he traveled with them for honor performances in California, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York City.
Russ consistently pushed his students out of their comfort zone to show them what they were capable of and to help them believe in themselves. Through the years, 110 of Russ’s Watertown High School students were selected to sing with the NYSSMA All-State Conference choruses.
NYSSMA has been an integral part of Russ’s career. He served as the NYSSMA Zone 5 regional representative for two six-year terms, which enabled him to promote the efforts of North Country music educators and students. He also acted as the All-State choral chair in 2006 and 2007, and he continues to be an All-State adjudicator for vocal, piano and choral major organization categories. Russ’s longstanding history with NYSSMA demonstrates his dedication to the advancement and success of music education in New York.
After retiring from the traditional classroom in 2015, Russ continued to teach privately and serve as a college supervisor. He traveled extensively to meet with student teachers throughout New York State to observe them, conduct seminars and advise them in their certification requirements. Now, as he takes the helm at NYSSMA, he will no doubt continue to positively influence the field of music education across the state.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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