President: Taylor Kelly, she/her

Taylor is a senior music education major at SUNY Fredonia, where she studies horn as her primary instrument of focus. At Fredonia, Taylor serves as President of the NAfME Fredonia Chapter, works as the Director for the New Horizons Blue Band of WNY, and enjoys performing with her woodwind quintet, Quintessential. When she’s not in Fredonia, although a Long Island native, Taylor currently resides in Cape Coral, FL. Taylor is thrilled to continue representing Collegiate NYSSMA as President for 2024–25 and to help foster professional networks and build community among collegiate music education students to help shape the bright future of the field.

President-Elect: Sophie Wood, she/her

Sophie Wood is a junior Music Education major with a minor in Disability Studies at Hofstra University. Her primary instrument is Tuba, performing in the Hofstra Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Brass Ensembles. Sophie is currently serving as the Vice President for Hofstra’s NAfME Chapter and is an active member of NYSBDA, ACDA, and JEN. In addition to her activities at school, Sophie works as an elementary school substitute teacher where she cherishes her interactions with students and learning from many skilled teachers. During the academic year, Sophie works as a high school cheerleading coach on Long Island. She is looking forward to another successful year of collaborating with and having the pleasure of advocating for her fellow future music educators as the President-Elect for Collegiate NYSSMA/NAfME!

Secretary-Treasurer: Greta Hansen-Schwoebel, they/them she/her

Greta Hansen-Schwoebel will be a sophomore at Nazareth University for the 23-24 school year. She is a Music Education major with a vocal primary, and a minor in French. She is from the Syracuse area in New York and went to Fayetteville-Manlius High School. She has been involved with music since she can remember and is greatly looking forward to spreading the joy of music in future classrooms. She is looking forward to being this year’s Collegiate level Secretary. 

Web Editor: Eve Castonguay, she/her

Eve Castonguay is a senior studying music education and oboe performance at the State University of New York at Fredonia.  Within her current college career, Eve has had the opportunity to perform in many groups such as the Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra.  She was recently a finalist in the 2024 Fredonia School of Music Annual Concerto Competition.  Outside of music, Eve has a passion for cooking and baking new foods. Eve is from West Islip, New York, and spends her summers working at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts. She is looking forward to serving as this year’s C-NYSSMA Web Editor!

Province 1: Andrew Palmer, he/him

Andrew is a bassoonist at SUNY Fredonia who is double majoring, earning a BM in Music Education and BM in Music Performance. He is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2025, studying under Laura Koepke. At Fredonia, Andrew performs with the College Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, his quintet, Quintessential, The Fredonia Bassoon Ensemble, The Guerrillas: Low Voice Acapella, and many others throughout the school year. He has had the privilege of working alongside many honorable musicians, some which include Valerie Coleman, Nadina Mackie Jackson, Chen Yi, and Staff Sgt. Stephen Rudman from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He annually attends the NYSSMA Winter Conference with his collegiate NAfME Chapter, which he is the Vice President of. Andrew spends his summers working at the Fredonia School of Music Band Camp as a counselor and enjoying the summer weather on Long Island. Andrew is super excited to be the Province 1 Representative of C-NAfME this year and is thrilled to represent his colleagues in this area.

Province 2: Crystalina Baumer

Crystalina Baumer is a sophomore at Nazareth University where she is pursuing a B.M. in Music Education. Her primary focus is voice, but she also studies cello and has a minor in mathematics. She currently serves as the Historian of Nazareth’s NAfME chapter and is a member of ACDA and ASTA. From making music and dancing to studying STEM, Crystalina hopes to inspire future music students through supporting cross disciplinary learning. Crystalina is ecstatic to be serving as Province 2’s co-representative alongside her friend and practice buddy, Gillian!

Province 2: Gillian Gates

Gillian Gates is a sophomore Music Education student at Nazareth University with her primary instrument being Violin. She is a member of the Nazareth University Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Center Stage Pops ensemble. Gillian lives in Rochester and has been involved community ensembles and has helped run local All-State and NYSSMA Majors performances. Along with being the Co-Province 2 Representative, Gillian will be serving as 2024-2025 Treasurer for Nazareth’s NAfME chapter.  She is very excited to connect with her colleagues and peers and to work with NAfME and NYSSMA members around the state!

Province 3: Cate Palanski

Cate Palanski is a junior Music Education and Music Performance double major at SUNY Fredonia, with a primary focus on bassoon. At Fredonia, Cate serves as secretary of Fredonia’s collegiate NAfME chapter, secretary of the Delta Lambda chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, and is also a Resident Assistant in an upperclassmen dorm. She is originally from Rochester, NY, and she was fortunate enough to take lessons through the Nazareth community music school throughout high school. In her spare time, Cate can be found going to the gym, hanging out with friends, working at Bruegger’s Bagels, or learning new repertoire with her woodwind quintet Perfect Fifth. Cate is excited to serve as the Province III representative and foster new connections this upcoming academic year.

Province 4/5: Joseph Pesco Jr, he/him

I am a standing Sophomore studying Music Education Major at Hofstra University. My primary instrument is Trumpet, participating in Hofstra’s Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, University Chorus, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra Ensemble. Currently I am the Freshman Representative at Hofstra’s NAfME chapter and I active member of our NYSBDA and JEN chapters as well. A fun fact about me is that I marched with the World Class Drum Corps, the Madison Scouts in the summer of 2023. I am eager and excited to teach and spread my passion of music to many others. I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with other C-NYSSMA representatives. I am honored to represent Province 4 and 5!

Province 6: Samantha Mason, she/her

Samantha Mason is a Sophomore Music Education and Performance major at the State University of New York at Fredonia with her primary instrument being flute. Samantha currently serves as the Events Coordinator for Fredonia’s NAfME Chapter, facilitating the audition days for prospective students. She is also an active member of Fredonia’s NYSBDA Chapter and Flute Association. She has been heavily involved in the musical community from a young age and has developed a passion for Marching Band and Music Theory, both of which she hopes to become involved in when she becomes a teacher. Samantha is from Hicksville, New York, and during her summers she works at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts. Samantha is very excited to be stepping into the role of Province 6 Representative and is looking forward to connecting with music educators across New York State.

Province 7: Jameson Connaghan

Jameson Connaghan is a sophomore Music Education Major at Hofstra University. His primary instrument is trumpet, performing in Hofstra’s Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, and University Choir. Jameson currently serves as the Public Relations Officer of Hofstra’s Jazz Education Network, and is an active member of NAfME and NYSBDA. Jameson is from Brooklyn NY, and attended Edward R Murrow High School. Jameson enjoys all kinds of music, especially Jazz and Musical Theater. He has shared his love by performing at several high schools and community theaters, along with Cabaret Clubs such as 54 Below. In his free time, you can find Jameson hanging out with friends and family. He also enjoys fashion and shopping, and is always in the market for some new clothes. Jameson is honored to hold the position of Province 7 Representative, and is looking forward to what’s to come!