2023-2024 Collegiate Officers

Click the name of the officer for their email address!

President: Austin Stroup, he/him

Austin Stroup is a Senior Music Education major at Nazareth University. His primary instrument of focus is tuba, and he also plays bass guitar at Calvary Assembly of God for worship services. Austin is a member of the NYSSMA Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Representation (BEDR) committee, past president of the NAFME Chapter at Nazareth, a former Resident Assistant (RA), and currently works at Pontillo’s in Bushnell’s Basin. Austin is married to his beautiful wife Kaitlyn, who brings so much joy to such a busy season in their lives. He is thrilled to be able to represent Collegiate NYSSMA and work with everyone involved to make a lasting impact on the future of music education.

President-Elect: Taylor Kelly, she/her

Taylor Kelly is a junior BM Music Education major at SUNY College at Fredonia with her primary instrument as horn. At Fredonia, Taylor serves as the President of the NAfME Fredonia Chapter, Events Coordinator of Fredonia NYSBDA and works as a chamber coach for the New Horizons Band. Taylor is originally from Bellport, NY but now resides in Cape Coral, FL working for Useppa Island Club during summers. Some of Taylor’s favorite musical memories in the past year include conferences, such as the NYSSMA Winter Conference and the NAfME All-Eastern Conference, where she performed with her woodwind chamber group, Quintessential. Taylor is excited to serve as Collegiate President-Elect for the upcoming year and to help provide opportunity for collegiate music education students along with a sense of community.

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: Madison Garraffo, she/her

Madison Garraffo is a senior Music Education major with a minor in Disability Studies at Hofstra University. Her primary instruments are violin and viola, and she actively participates in the Hofstra Symphony Orchestra as well as various chamber and local ensembles. On campus, she serves as the President of Hofstra’s NAfME Chapter, and stays involved with the ACDA, ASTA, and NYSBDA chapters to expand her knowledge in all aspects of music education. With a passion for inclusivity, Madison strives to create welcoming and empowering learning environments for all students. In her free time, she can be found in coffeeshops practicing latte art, riding her bike, or chatting in ASL! She’s super excited to serve as this year’s Web Editor to keep students across the state updated with the upcoming events! (Follow us on Instagram: @collegiatenyssma!)

Province Representatives:

Province 1: Jake Miller, he/him

Jake Miller is a senior music education student at The State University of New York at Fredonia where he studies tenor trombone with Jonathan Lombardo. Miller is heavily involved in the music education community at a local and state level. Some of his local duties include serving as the Vice President of the Fredonia chapter of NAfME, Music and Arts Director of the Fredonia Video Game Orchestra, and Assistant Director of the Fredonia Trombone Choir. At a state level, Miller serves on the state executive board of C-NYSBDA and C-NAfME as the province one representative. His post-undergraduate plans include pursuing a masters degree in Wind Band Conducting and teaching in a public school in New York State. In his spare time, Jake is the program director of the junior sailing program at Moriches Yacht Club, and loves spending time with his two golden doodles on Long Island. Jake is eager to serve as the Province One representative for C-NAfME and cannot wait to connect with music educators across New York State. 

Province 2: Emily Overacker, she/her

Emily Overacker is a senior student at Nazareth University. She is currently working towards her B.M. in Music Education with a concentration in Vocal Music. Emily is also the 2023-2024 President of Nazareth’s NAfME Chapter. Emily has been living in the Rochester & adjacent communities for her entire life. She has been an avid music participant since elementary school. Emily served as the 2022-2023 C-NYSSMA Province 2 Representative and the 2022-2023 Secretary for Nazareth’s NAfME chapter. Emily is thrilled to be the Province 2 representative again this year and work with various NAfME and NYSSMA members in the state!

Province 3: Kaycie Romano, she/her

Kaycie is a senior at Syracuse University where she is double majoring in Music Education and Music History and Cultures. Originally from Baldwinsville NY, she began playing viola at 8 years old and is now a member of the Syracuse University Symphony Orchestra, as well as several choirs on campus. She has been involved in her school’s NAfME chapter for several years, first serving as Vice President and Programming Committee Head for the Biennial NAfME Collegiate Conference before serving as President this past year. Outside of music she enjoys photography and writing. She is very excited for the opportunity to represent her colleagues in Province 3 this year!

Province 4/5: Nicolas Auxila, he/him

Nicolas Auxila is a senior music education major at Hofstra University. His primary instruments are trombone and euphonium, playing in the Hofstra Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles. Nick currently serves as the Vice President for Hofstra’s NYSBDA Chapter, and the Secretary for Hofstra NAfME Chapter. In his free time, he enjoys arranging and writing music, and outside of music, he can be found throwing a frisbee and catching up on shows. Nick hopes to become an engaging and effective music educator, with the versatility to teach all aspects of music. He’s thrilled to return to the Collegiate-NYSSMA this year, representing Province 4/5!

Province 6: Sylvia Hunt, they/them

Sylvia Hunt is a sophomore music education major at Nazareth University. Their primary instruments are violin and voice (alto). They play in the Nazareth Symphony Orchestra and Center Stage Pops as well as Various Chamber Ensembles. Sylvia is originally from Ann Arbor, MI, but has greatly enjoyed getting involved in the community of Rochester. As well as performing classical music, Sylvia is excited to explore other genres of music as they master other instruments, and is passionate about cultivating healthy practice habits and creative freedom for their future students. In their free time Sylvia enjoys running, reading fantasy books and spending time with friends. They are looking forward to the opportunity to strengthen the connections between music educators and learn more about Collegiate – NYSSMA as a first time representative of Province 6. 

Province 7: Sophie Wood, she/her

Sophie Wood is a sophomore 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, University Choir, and Brass Ensembles. Sophie is currently serving as the Freshman Representative for Hofstra’s NAfME Chapter and is an active member of NYSBDA and ACDA. 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. Sophie can also be found coaching youth cheerleading and reading in her free time. She can’t wait to connect with other students and educators during her first year as Province 7 Representative!