2022 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award Presented to Crane School of Music Alumnus Timothy Savage of Canton, N.Y.
Timothy Savage ’84 & ’96 of Canton, N.Y., is the recipient of the 2022 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award from the Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. He is pictured with his wife and fellow alumna, Jill Zielinski Savage ’96.
The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association recently honored Timothy Savage of Canton, N.Y., with the 2022 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award during Reunion 2022.
The Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award is presented each year to Crane School of Music alumni in public school music education who have demonstrated exemplary service in any of the areas of choral, instrumental or general music education.
About the recipient:
Before retiring in June 2022, Tim Savage ’84 & ’96 enjoyed a long-tenured music education career at Canton Central Schools, where he developed one of the strongest instrumental music programs in Northern New York, with outstanding competitive concert bands and jazz ensembles. As an educator, Tim is both an encourager and a problem solver, challenging and inspiring his students to explore possibilities without fear and walk through life with self-discipline. As a result of his teaching, many of Tim’s students have pursued their own careers in music education and performance.
In addition to his work in Canton’s grade schools, Tim has served as an adjunct faculty member at St. Lawrence University for more than 15 years, conducting instrumental groups and teaching jazz improvisation. He has also served SUNY Potsdam as a conductor and instructor, most recently filling an adjunct teaching position as the director of the Crane Jazz Ensemble during the 2019-20 academic year.
Tim is currently president of the board of directors of the Orchestra of Northern New York, treasurer of the Julia E. Crane Alumni Association, and chairperson for the New York State Band Directors Association Honor Jazz Ensemble.
Tim continues to practice his craft as a performer and adapts his talent to a myriad of genres. He plays baritone sax in the Wally Siebel All Star Big Band, as well as keyboards and horns with a variety of other small jazz and rock groups, including Northbound. He has also performed in and conducted pit orchestras for area school musicals and the Community Performance Series.
Fellow Helen Hosmer Award recipients Scott Lavine ’71 and Guy “Chip” Lamson ’81 enthusiastically agreed that Tim is deserving of this honor.
“Tim Savage’s two degrees at The Crane School have served him well during his development as a teacher, professor and musician,” Lamson said. “His work is a clear-cut example of the principle instilled in all of us by Helen Hosmer: that learning is always personal, and therefore, teaching must be both progressive and passionate.”
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 and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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