Celebration of Music Education

Many folks may know Allan Ripley from his 33 years as an exceptional elementary band director in the Grand Island Schools, or through his years of service as ECMEA’s President and Executive Director.  But his colleagues know him for something even deeper: his role as a tireless ‘cheerleader’ for the arts, especially for the partnership between the BPO and our local music programs. Because of his support and advocacy over nearly two decades, the BPO is not just a distant institution, but a meaningful partner in the education of the students in our region. 

He first supported and elevated the relationship between the two in his role as President and Executive Director at ECMEA. After years of distinguished leadership there, Al didn’t simply ‘retire’ his advocacy—he brought it directly to the BPO. He joined the BPO Board with a clear mission: to ensure the BPO remained a meaningful, accessible resource for every music classroom in Western New York. By serving as the Chair of the Education Committee, he became the voice of the music educator within the halls of Kleinhans, proving that the strongest partnerships are built when we share a common language of dedication to our students. The trust and appreciation that our music education community has for its professional orchestra is thanks in part to Al, our champion. 

Brad Carson has taught chorus and music in the Orchard Park Central School District since 2009. He teaches 8th Grade Mixed Chorus, 7th Grade Chorus, and 6th Grade General Music, as well as 7th/8th Grade Select Choir at Orchard Park Middle School. He also serves as the producer, set designer, and lighting/sound designer for the Middle School Musical. This year, he started his first year as one of the Coordinators for the PreK-12 Music Department. 

Mr. Carson is a native of the Hudson Valley and grew up in Woodstock, NY where he attended Kingston High School. Mr. Carson earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia in 2006 and 2013, respectfully. He is so grateful for all the amazing opportunities and training he received at SUNY Fredonia. 

As an active member of the Erie County Music Educators Association, Mr. Carson has chaired and accompanied the Jr. High SATB Chorus for the past 5 years. This past January, he had the opportunity to conduct the NCMEA (Niagara County) Jr. High SATB Chorus. He also teaches private voice and piano lessons in the evenings and during the summer.   

He is so appreciative of all his colleagues in the Orchard Park Music Department as well as his fellow music teachers throughout Erie County.  

 

Mr. Patrick O’Donnell received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and his Master of Arts in Community Music from the University of Limerick, Ireland. Mr. O’Donnell is currently the Orchestra Director at Amherst Middle School, where he directs the 6th Grade Orchestra, 7th-8th Grade Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, A.R.C.O. (Amherst Rock Concert Orchestra), and teaches instrumental string lessons. Under his direction, his groups have performed at Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls, NY, Independent Health YMCA for Cycle Live Events, at the KeyBank Center for the Buffalo Sabres, and at the AKG for the M&T First Friday Events. Mr. O’Donnell has been honored to receive the Amherst Middle School Teacher of the Year Award. His orchestras have played at NYSSMA Festivals receiving Gold and Gold with Distinction ratings. Mr. O’Donnell is an active member of ECMEA (Erie County Music Educators Association) and NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association). He has guest conducted for the Erie County Music Educators Association All County Orchestras at the Elementary and Junior High level and the Niagara All County Elementary Orchestra. This summer he will be a faculty member at the annual BRAVO International Chamber Music Workshop, where he will coach student musicians alongside members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.  

Mr. O’Donnell performs with local community orchestras and is the cellist for the Refoundry String Quartet which performs events regionally. He also performs on the fiddle for Irish and Bluegrass groups including guest appearances with McCarthyizm, The Blue Velvet Band, and the Leroy Townes Band. Mr. O’Donnell’s studio work includes cello and fiddle parts for a variety of musical groups. His recording sessions include the Canadian documentary series by Historica Canada entitled “Think Like A Historian” as well as a piano and cello duet entitled “Soul Concerto” for the Harmonic Egg. In addition to music and teaching, Mr. O’Donnell coaches Modified Cross-Country for Amherst Middle School, and is the Stage Crew Director for the Middle School Musical Productions. 

Mr. O’Donnell resides in Kenmore with his wife Emily, his two sons Connor and Jack, and his daughter Anna.   

Melissa Smith is a vocal and general music educator with 28 years of teaching in the Orchard Park Central School District. She has taught general music Pre-K–7th Grade, chorus, select chorus, and served as the musical director for school productions at all levels. 

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Music Education from SUNY Potsdam, The Crane School of Music and a Master of Music Education from SUNY College at Fredonia. A passionate advocate for music education, she has presented at the NYSSMA Winter Conference, ECMEA Classroom Music Festival, and served as a guest conductor and chairperson for ECMEA. 

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked to create a dynamic, inclusive, and creative music program that encourages students to explore their musical potential and fosters a lifelong love of music. She feels fortunate to have worked with many talented colleagues throughout her time in the Orchard Park Central School District, whose inspiration has helped her grow and improve each year. 

Karen Russo is a proud public school music educator, serving the students and families in the Starpoint Central School District in Lockport, NY, for the past 35 years. In her current role as a High School Band Director, she directs the Concert Band (grades 9-12), Honors Jazz Ensemble (grades 10-12), Lifeskills general music class, extracurricular Jazz Ensemble (grades 8-12), and High School Pep Band. While at Starpoint Intermediate, she started the Intermediate Jazz Ensemble for 6th graders, which led to multiple jazz ensembles being offered for beginners to advanced students in grades 6-12!   

Karen graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1983, and in 1992, she graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. From 1983-1986, Karen taught general music in Miami, Florida. Before her 1992 hire at Starpoint Intermediate, she taught two years of band and jazz ensemble in Nova Scotia, Canada, and two years of K-8 general music at St. Amelia’s school in Tonawanda, NY. 

Karen’s main instrument is the trumpet, but later in life, she discovered a love for the bass guitar/upright bass, which she played in her jazz combo, My Cousin Tone’. She also played in the Dick Griffo Jazz Workshop, under the direction of her dear friend and mentor, Dick Griffo, and she ran his workshop after he passed in 2012. Currently, she is one of the worship drummers at Lumber City Church in NT. 

Karen is Mom to Brian, Allison and Angela, Nana to Ezra, Logan, Briella and Annabelle, Mom-In-Law to Allison and Christopher, and dog mommy to rescue mutt, Rickie Lucia.

 

Michael Hershenov, a senior at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, enjoys many musical activities. He holds two jobs as a church accompanist and a position as a restaurant pianist at Dick and Jenny’s on Grand Island (Thu 6-9), is a returning member of the ECMEA All-County Jazz Band A and performs with student-organized jazz bands over the summer. He is also the accompanist for his school’s Swing Choir and the pianist for his school’s Jazz Lab Band. He looks forward to attending a university or conservatory next year to pursue a joint major in jazz performance and biological sciences.  

Josephine Millen, a senior at Lockport High School, is honored to be one of the recipients of the Friends of the BPO Young Musicians’ Scholarship. She has been playing bassoon for 4 years and has studied bassoon under Ms. Mary Kay Ortolano for the past 2 years. In school, Josephine has served as the president of wind ensemble and drama club, as well as co-vice president of her class and her school’s chapter of National Honors Society. Josephine is an active member of her school’s music department and is grateful to have been a part of many NCMEA All-County ensembles, as well as NYSSMA Area All-State and Conference All-State. Recently, Josephine was awarded the NCMEA scholarship given to students pursuing a career in music. Outside of school, Josephine is involved with the Lockport Community Band and is having the best time in her first season with the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.  

In her free time, Josephine enjoys learning new instruments and she hopes to learn many more when she attends SUNY Fredonia in the Fall, studying music education. 

 

Aurora Sandner has been playing viola for 10 years, while studying with both Leslie Bahler and Donna Lorenzo. Aurora has been a member of many school music clubs, including Clarence guitar club, chamber chorus and orchestra, and pit orchestra for two Clarence musicals. She is Co-President of Harmonies for Healing, a group which plays music for seniors in nursing homes. She has been a member of the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra and Chamber Program for three years and currently is Associate Principal violist. Last summer she attended the 2025 Philadelphia International Music Festival where she was Principal violist in the symphonic orchestra and played in a masterclass with Kerri Ryan. She has also participated in the Bravo Chamber Camp for two summers. Aurora has had the privilege of playing in many All-County and State festivals, as well as attending NYSSMA Conference All State this year. Recently, she won the Silverman Strings Scholarship, as well as 3rd place in the Friends of the BPO Young Musician’s Scholarship. She has also won Best 20th Century Piece for the Anselmo Academy Music Competition for a performance of Shostakovich’s Viola Sonata. In college, Aurora plans to pursue a dual degree in Environmental Engineering and Viola Performance and has been accepted into the Eastman School of Music. 

Olivia (Liv) Zientek is a student musician from Hamburg, NY, who studies fiddle music and classical violin. Liv studies with the Associate Concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Amy Glidden. Liv has been a regular participant in the ECMEA and NYSSMA festivals, including the 2024 NYSSMA All-State Conference, the Bravo Workshop, directed by Mary Handley and Roman Mekinulov, and the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra, directed by Louis Vitello. In addition to performing in several school and extracurricular school ensembles, Liv volunteers her time with the Hamburg Middle School Select Strings program. Liv performs frequently with local Irish, country, and folk bands, including performances with Crikwater, Doug Yeoman’s Twang Gang, the Buffalo Bluegrass Allstars, and her folk duo Matt and Liv, who recently released an album titled Let Me Fall. Liv plans to pursue violin performance, focusing on fiddle music and classical music, and is excited to continue to learn from her peers. 

2025  Sue Fay Allen and Carl Klingenschmitt

2024  KeyBank

2023  The Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation

2022  James Schwanz, Buffalo Public Schools

2021  All WNY Music Educators

2020  Jody Covington, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Buffalo Public Schools

2019  Daniel Lewis, Mary Lavin and Julie Flanagan, Amherst Central School District

2018  The Tower Family Fund

2017  The Montgomery Family Foundation

2016  NOCO and the Donald F. and Barbara L. Newman Foundation

2015  Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

2014  George and Bodil Gellman

2013  Time Warner Cable, Matthew Tremblay, Northeast Communications Specialist

2012  Allentown Villiage Society, Inc. Mary Myszkiewicz, President

2011  District Superintendents (Leadership Team) of Western New York BOCES

Donald Ogilvie, Erie 1 BOCES
Robert Guiffreda, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
Clark Godshall, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Robert Olczak, Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES

2010  Dr. James A. Williams, Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools

2025  Lawrence Dubill
2025  Tami Feldman
2025  Thomas Stroth

2024  Joseph Buckle
2024  William Larrabee
2024  Mary Kay Ortolano

2023  Trevor Jelowski
2023  Alicia Struckmann
2023  Rudy Tichy
2023  Annelle VanNortwick

2022  Daniel DeAngelis

2021  Randy Czosnyka
2021  Betsy Gengo
2021  Ken Kowalski

2020  Charlene Brooks
2020  Cara Calabrese
2020  Craig Poissant

2019  George Kroetsch
2019  Lynne Ruda
2019  Louis Vitello

2018  John Blickwedehl
2018  Justin Pomietlarz
2018  Christine Reed

2017  James DesJardins
2017  Pim Liebmann
2017  Michael Robertson
2017  Andrea Runfola

2016  Eric Blodgett
2016  Chris Gawlak
2016  Doug Shaw

2015  John Iocco
2015  Donna Kerr
2015  Diane Sullivan

2014  Mark Flynn
2014  Wayne Moose
2014  Maureen Reilly
2014  Joe & Edie Clouse, J&E Instrument Service

2013  Keith Ersing
2013  Karen Robinson
2013  Walter and Pat Pidgeon

2012  Michael Conte
2012  Heather Holden
2012  Debra Komosinski

2011  Phil Aguglia
2011  John Hasselback
2011  Julie Furlong

2010  Alan Reed
2010  William Staebell

2009  Kristie Schlewitt
2009  Michael Shaw
2009  Dr. Roy Clare

2008  Chris Revett
2008  Evonne Michel
2008  Karen Williams

2007  Nora Murnane
2007  Richard Goss

2006  John Kryder
2006  Cristina Voto
2006  Timothy Gastle
2006  Marni Conte

2005  Dr. Maria Runfola
2005  Pamela Christie
2005  Norman Zogaib
2005  Craig Incontro

2004  Dr. Charles Stoddart
2004  Deborah Imiolo-Shriver
2004  Carolyn Lokken
2004  Martin Allen

2003  Gary Stith
2003  Joan Boissonnault
2003  Donald Carducci
2003  Cynthia Mayo

2002  Matthew Cool
2002  Michael Ried
2002  Vivian Johnston
2002  Barbara Wagner

2001  Dr. Joseph Casimino
2001  Nanci Bailey
2001  Ann Mosner
2001  Ronald Case
2001  Dr. Patricia Chiodo

2000  Kirstin Peltz
2000  Rosemary Dayton
2000  Stephen Shewan
2000  Mark & Cecilia Morette

1999  Teresa Ferraro
1999  David Cohen
1999  Terrence Gamble
1999  Dr. James Harris
1999  Cynthia Ripley

1998  Catherine Sutherland
1998  Steven Thomas
1998  Gary Lee
1998  John Maguda
1998  Eleanor Hoch

1997  Marsha Kushin
1997  John Fleischman
1997  Allan Ripley
1997  Betty Lou Cranston

1996  Nancy Seel
1996  Paul Kroll
1996  Sue Fay Allen
1996  Elizabeth Venator
1996  William Weikert

1995  Marie Sullivan
1995  Marcia Giambrone
1995  Clarke Elliott
1995  Al Hemer

2025  Claudia Andres, Wilson Central School District

2024  Deborah Hutter, Lockport City School District

2023  Judy Peterson, Newfane Central School District

2022  Megan Dray, Lockport City Schools

2021  Wallace Goodman, Niagara-Wheatfield & Wilson Central School Districts

2020  Kevin Duncan, Lewiston-Porter Central School District

2019  April Carere, North Tonawanda City School District

2018  Roger VanDette, Starpoint Central School District

2017  Eileen Brusino, Lockport City School District

2016  Linda Werder, Niagara Falls City School District

2015  Christine Riederer, Niagara Wheatfield Central School District

2014  Dean Vallas, North Tonawanda City School District

2013  Ken Fick, Niagara Wheatfield Central School District

2012  Paul Wos, Niagara Falls City School District

2011  Norman Alexander, North Tonawanda City Schools

2025  Angelina Fetterly, Clarence High School, voice
2025  Samuel Gugliuzza, Canisius High School, violin
2025  Aidan Tardif, Frontier High School, trombone

2024  Marc Vredenburg, Williamsville South High School, cello
2024  Matthew Russell, Lancaster High School, saxophone
2024  Paul Wittmer, Williamsville South High School, bassoon

2023  Annelyse Wilson, Williamsville East High School, oboe
2023  Jonathan Yi, Clarence High School, cello
2023  Rebekah Grande, Amherst Central High School, voice

2022  Charles Hibschweiler, Clarence High School, trombone
2022  Paul LaGreca, Lockport High School, alto saxophone
2022  Jackson Kelly, Amherst Central High School, voice

2021  Morgan Chalmers, Clarence High School, French horn
2021  Aubrey Gerhardt, Iroquois High School, clarinet
2021  Madelyn Stoklosa, Interlochen Arts Academy & Frontier Central High School, trombone

2020  Ben Mekinulov, Amherst Central High School, cello
2020  Stephanie Magera, Clarence High School, tuba
2020  Leah Streety, Iroquois High School, violin

2019  Alexander Neubert, Kenmore East High School, bassoon
2019  Matthew Cone, Williamsville East High School, violin
2019  Liam McManus, Lancaster High School, percussion

2018  Mia Fasanello, Clarence High School, oboe
2018  Frank Wendelin, Williamsville South High School, guitar
2018  Adam Kluge, Williamsville East High School, voice

2017  Jarod Yap, Clarence High School, piano
2017  Christophe Koenig, East Aurora High School, violin
2017  Drew Cone, Williamsville East High School, cello

2016  James Featherstone, Amherst Central High School, piano
2016  Madeline Ferguson, Williamsville East High School, clarinet
2016  Sarah Troeller, Clarence High School, cello

2015  Grace Ann Lee, Williamsville East High School, cello
2015  Lauren Scanio, Clarence High School, flute
2015  Angel Rhodes, Orchard Park High School, violin

2014  Duo Xu, Williamsville East High School, piano
2014  Teagan Faran, Williamsville East High School, violin
2014  Alexander Cousins, Grand Island High School, cello

2013  Cindy Q. Xue, Williamsville East High School, violin
2013  Aaron Schuman, Kenmore West High School, trumpet
2013  Joseph Desotelle, Williamsville East High School, percussion/marimba

2012  Leonard Ranallo, Sweet Home High School, classical guitar
2012  Audrey Yu, Williamsville East High School, oboe
2012  Anneliese Feist, Frontier Central High School, euphonium

2011  Anne Barr, Hamburg High School, voice
2011  Nicole Elizabeth Murray, West Seneca East Senior High School, flute
2011  Donal Sheets, Orchard Park High School, cello

2010  Joseph Mohan, Clarence High School, piano
2010  Joseph Isom, Williamsville East High School, cello
2010  Jilene VanOpdorp, Williamsville South High School, flute

2009  Joseph LoCicero, Christian Central Academy, viola
2009  Jay Louis Dref, Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts, voice
2009  Bradley Whitney, East Aurora High School, clarinet

2008  Michael Zuber, Frontier High School, bassoon
2008  Hilary Lee, Home School, piano
2008  Alina Jeon, Williamsville East High School, oboe

2007  Ana Lia Vafai, Buffalo City Honors, violin
2007  Lara Somogyi, Orchard Park High School, harp

2006  Lauren Yu, Williamsville East High School, bassoon
2006  Christopher Rogerson, Amherst High School, cello

2005  Jennifer Christen, Frontier High School, oboe
2005  Stephen C. Price, Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts, pipe organ

2004  Erica Snowden-Rodriguez, Clarence High School, cello
2004  Christopher Ziemba, Williamsville East High School, piano

2003  Justin Gopol, Williamsville North High School, violin
2003  Juliette Jones, Amherst High School, violin

2002  Lauren Zang-Eastlack, Clarence High School, violin

2001  Maureen Pohlman, Clarence High School, violin

2000  Sabatino Scirri, Clarence High School, flute
2000  Gregory Stass, Amherst High School, double bass

2025  Ethan Hart, Williamsville North High School, saxophone

2024  Cade Wyles, Amherst Central High School, cello

2023  Vincent Conlon, Lancaster High School, harp/voice

2022  Aidan Carney, Lancaster High School, tuba

2021  Aubrey Gerhardt, Iroquois High School, clarinet