2019 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award Presented to Michael J. Struzik ’88 of Rochester, N.Y., at SUNY Potsdam Reunion
The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association recently honored Michael J. Struzik ’88 with the 2019 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. Struzik was honored for his outstanding achievements and dedication to music teaching, and in appreciation for his volunteer service to his alma mater.
About the recipient:
Michael J. Struzik ’88 has an extensive record of impressive service to the music teaching profession. He began his teaching career at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, followed by several years teaching in Grafton, Mass., and Bronxville, N.Y. He earned a master’s degree from Iona College before going on to accept a position at Brighton High School in Rochester, N.Y., where he now teaches brass and percussion, as well as music theory, while directing the high school wind ensemble, symphonic band and jazz band. Struzik performs with the Orchestra of Northern New York, the Penfield Symphony and the Canal Town Brass Quintet.
Beyond Brighton, Struzik is a force in the broader music education field in New York State. He has served as the executive director of the New York State Band Director’s Association for many years. He has been the brass chairperson for the New York State School Music Association, and is the past president of the Monroe County School Music Association. His high school band has consistently ranked with high honors in NYSSMA evaluations, and his students are regularly selected for All-State and Area All-State placement at the annual NYSSMA Conference.
Struzik has received the University of Rochester Excellence in Secondary Education Award and the Brighton Central School PTSA Life Membership Award. A Brighton teaching colleague wrote, “To the kids, he is that one special teacher that has made the biggest impact in their lives. He cares deeply for his Brighton kids and his program.”
“Mike continues to grow as an educator himself,” wrote one of his former professors. “He continues to inspire and guide young musicians, showing them how music can impact their lives and those around them.”
His students are so adoring of him that they composed “Stroozical the Musical,” which they presented to him as a gift for his contributions to them.
He also gives generously of his time and talent as a member of the Crane Alumni Board. He assists with Crane’s off-campus auditions, and returns to Potsdam regularly to teach, perform and assist with student activities at Crane.
About The Crane School of Music:
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. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.