The Cattaraugus County Music Teachers Association is proud to offer a $2,000
scholarship to support and encourage the next generation of musicians. This
scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior who plans to pursue a college
degree in music. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to their musical
studies and show promise for future success in the field. This scholarship reflects our
dedication to nurturing musical talent and helping students take the next step in their
educational journey. We invite all eligible seniors to apply and share their passion for
music with us.
Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship winner, Abby Gardner! Abby attends Portville
CSD, where she plays clarinet in the Concert Band and electric bass in the Jazz Band.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, Physics Club, and Academic Club.
Outside of school, Abby has played bass for the Octaves Jazz Band in Olean and
participated in multiple Area All-States and All-Counties. Abby attended SUNY
Fredonia’s 2023 Summer Music Festival. Over the past few years, she has played bass
and cello in pit orchestras for school and community productions in Wellsville, Allegany,
Bolivar-Richburg, Cuba, and Salamanca. She also plays bass in church services every
Sunday.
Abby is attending Nazareth University where she plans to pursue Music Education on
clarinet and electric bass, with a minor in Spanish. Abby wants to thank all her music
teachers that have made her not only into the musician she is but also the person she is
today: Miss Lauren Kirchner, her clarinet teacher; Mr. Bob Pfeiffer, her bass teacher;
Mr. Rintaro Wada, her cello teacher; Mr. Rick Snyder, her piano teacher; Mrs. Brenda
Snyder, her clarinet teacher; and Dr. Ken Crane and Mr. Jesse Archer for instilling a
love for music during her years in Portville’s music program. Abby would like to thank
her entire family for sticking with her and pushing her to do her best. She also wants to
thank God for giving her this talent and allowing her to grow in her abilities.