“Galvin will receive a $500 award, and Acker will receive a $250 award,” said Steve Chirello, FMA president. “These awards were created by FMA so that these students will continue to expand their experience, learning and joy in music, either as a career or for personal enjoyment. We are so proud of their accomplishments and wish them every success in their future studies.”

Each student submitted and application and auditioned before a panel of FMA board members, Chirello said.

Meghan Galvin, a bass player who will be studying Civil Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology, has played in all-county orchestra, and with the G. Ray Bodley Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. She has also had experience playing with several local jazz artists. Among these are Joe Cortini and his Jazz Mafia, the Will Gorman Trio, and jamming at Funk-N-Waffles in Syracuse.

In her application statement, she wrote: “I’ve always enjoyed my instrument, but I’ve found a new excitement in playing with others and improving each day. In fact, playing each day also fueled my joy of coming to school. I plan to continue playing in the jazz ensemble at RIT and further my experience in the performing arts.”

Cellist Acker aspires to pursue a career in Broadcast Journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She participated in all-county orchestra for four years and area all state two years. In addition, she received consistently high scores in NYSSMA solo competition during her sophomore and junior years. At G. Ray Bodley, she has participated in the Symphonic Orchestra, Quirk’s Players musicals, and Christmas carol performances during school hours. She has also volunteered for musical performances on World Candle Lighting Day in 2020, and at local nursing homes.

In her application statement she wrote: “I hope to pursue my interest in political correspondence by participating in Syracuse University’s domestic study abroad program in Washington, D.C., and anticipate that my experience there will assist me in the transition from schooling to entering my career. My utmost goal is to eventually contribute to efforts to promote media literacy in underserved communities, including my hometown. Music has the great ability to bring communities together and unite people from all walks of life. I have the utmost reverence for the importance of music, particularly in schools.”

The Fulton Music Association is dedicated to promoting music in our schools and community, Chirello said. For further information, visit The Fulton Music Association on Facebook.