Since 2002, the Skaneateles Festival has sponsored the annual Robinson Award. This prize was established with the intent of honoring a high school student, age 13-18, who is an accomplished performer whose character, musicianship and community service reflects those treasured values of festival founders, David and Louise Robinson: enthusiasm and dedication to music of the highest quality.
The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, with the presentation being made at a Skaneateles Festival concert. The recipient may also be invited to perform at a future festival event.
Applicants are considered from the Central New York area, including Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Tompkins, Madison, Oneida, and Cortland counties.
The applicant should demonstrate a high level of commitment to his or her school music program, and/or the Skaneateles Festival.
Applicants are also asked to include a musical recording which is 10 to 15 minutes in length and shows two contrasting styles.
A written personal statement describing a meaningful musical experience as well as future musical goals is also required of applicants.
In addition a letters of recommendation preferably from a music instructor speaking to the applicant’s character and musicianship are also required.
This year’s recipient was recently named as Kate O’Leary is a flutist, piccoloist, and alumna of Marcellus High School.
O’Leary has performed in ensembles such as All-County and Area All-State festivals, as well as Symphoria Young Artists Orchestra, where she was principal flute.
On May 22, O’Leary had the honor of performing Mozart’s Concerto in G Major with SYO after winning the Symphoria Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition.
O’Leary performed in multiple bands and choirs throughout high school, as well as Pit Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, learning instruments such as saxophone and clarinet. Additionally, O’Leary has participated in masterclasses with Christine Davis (2022), Hartwick College Faculty (2021), Chelsea Tanner (2020), and Mary Kay Robinson (2019).
Last year, O’Leary was invited by the Society for New Music to perform as a Rising Star at Cazenovia Counterpoint, where she had the honor of premiering Emily Graham’s Will-o’-Wisp.
In May, O’Leary was featured as Carrie Lazarus’ Extraordinary Talent of the Week.
O’Leary has been awarded music scholarships such as the SSMA Sally Whittle Memorial, OCMEA, and CNYAMT Scholarships.
O’Leary will be attending Syracuse University in the fall, where she will major in music education and participate in the honors program and Syracuse University Marching Band.
O’Leary currently studies with Dana DiGennaro and has previously studied with Erin Tapia.
She is honored and humbled to be receiving the Robinson Award and would like to thank all of her teachers as well as her family for their constant support.
