From left, Crane School of Music Dean Michael Sitton, Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award recipient Kickie Britt ’69 & ’74, and SUNY Potsdam President Kristin Esterberg.
The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association recently honored Carol “Kickie” Holloway Britt ’69 & ’74 with the 2017 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award at SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion Weekend.
The Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award is presented each year to an alumnus or alumna in public school music education who has demonstrated exemplary service in any of the areas of choral, instrumental or general music education. Britt was honored for her career as an accomplished music educator, musician and conductor.
About the recipient:
Carol “Kickie” Holloway Britt earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from The Crane School of Music in 1969 and later completed her master’s degree at the College as well, in 1974. She has lead an impressive 48-year career as a teacher and artist, inspiring and mentoring countless students, alumni and fellow music educators along the way.
A talented musician, skilled jazz vocalist and respected educator, Britt has taught at every grade level in the public schools in New York State. She also worked at the secondary and college level for more than 35 years, teaching a variety of courses in music, voice and music business.
After 16 years as choral director at Adirondack Community College, Britt returned to her alma mater in 2003, to serve as the executive director and core faculty member at the Crane Institute for Music Business and Entrepreneurship. Under her superb leadership, the institute has developed into a nationally recognized program. Britt secured internships for hundreds of Crane students at the music industry’s largest international trade show, National Association of Music Merchants. Many of these students are now placed in prestigious positions at companies such as D’Addario, Metropolitan Opera, Yamaha and Sony Music.
Britt is deeply admired by her colleagues, greatly revered by her students, and is known widely for her dedication, patience and grace, her deep commitment to mentoring, and her individualized approach to education. Fittingly, in recognition of her commitment to music education, Britt was awarded the 2017 NAMM SupportMusic Merit Award by NAMM CEO Joe Lamond. She was also recognized as one of College Magazine’s “Top Ten Music Professors Who Inspire,” a fitting tribute and reflection of her achievements.
Britt’s versatile career also includes work as a big band and orchestra vocalist, church musician, theatre and opera musical director/producer, author and private voice and piano instructor. She is a highly respected New York State School Music Association All State adjudicator and guest conductor. Britt is also a member of the National Association for Music Education, the International Association of Jazz Educators and the American Choral Directors Association.
Britt officially retires from The Crane School of Music this year, and will be greatly missed.
For more information about SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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.
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