Mary Little – 2025 Scholarship Winner

Mary Little has performed in varsity chorus, concert band, chamber choir, jazz ensemble, and brass ensemble. She performed in FLMEA All County Band and Orchestra, as well as Chorus. She has also been part of Zone 3 All State Band, Nazareth Honor Band, CNY Honor Band, and NYSSBDA. She has maintained a 4.0 average in high school. Mary will attend the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam for vocal and instrumental music education with a minor in theater.

Mary says, “The arts in general have always been a major part of my life. My Papa is an artist and both my parents are music teachers. While I love all forms of art, I have always had a special place in my heart for music. That is why I chose to pursue a career in music education. I want to help inspire and teach the next generation of musicians.” Mary has been a counselor at a week-long music summer camp for young musicians. She looked forward to working with the campers each day. She has served as stage manager for middle school productions for two years. Mary finds the opportunity to work in the creative arts field solidified her decision to go into music education. Mary adds, “My plans for the future are to complete my undergraduate in both vocal and instrumental music education in 4 years. Then, my current plan is to take a year to get my masters degree in Music Therapy. Currently, I want to teach music to elementary age kids. I feel that getting my masters in music therapy lends itself greatly to that plan. I feel having a masters in Music Therapy will be helpful when going into any form of education. It will allow me more tools to help understand and support all my students and will open up more opportunities to share music with others.”

The Seneca County Arts Council (SCAC) supports the arts through its scholarship program and through its Artworks Gallery. The Gallery provides a venue to display the art, photography and crafts of the many talented local artisans. The Gallery also provides a myriad of workshops for the beginner to the advanced artist and crafter. For more information about SCAC and Artworks Gallery visit www.artsinseneca.org.