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Crane School of Music Alumni Board Honors Christina Pizzino-Catalano '06 of Glenville, N.Y., with Music Teaching Award

2026 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award Presented to Crane School of Music Alumna Christina Pizzino-Catalano '06 of Glenville, N.Y.

Potsdam, NY (07/14/2026) — The Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music recently honored Christina Pizzino-Catalano '06 of Glenville, N.Y., with the Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award during Reunion 2026.

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. Pizzino-Catalano was recognized for her profound impact on the Capital District's Music Education community, and her years of exemplary leadership to her students.

About the recipient:

Christina Pizzino-Catalano '06 is the embodiment of excellence in music education. A graduate of The Crane School of Music, she has dedicated her career to inspiring young musicians, fostering artistic excellence and advancing the choral tradition throughout New York State. For the past 16 years, Pizzino-Catalano has served as high school director of choral studies at Niskayuna Central School District, where her exceptional leadership, musicianship and unwavering commitment have transformed lives and strengthened an already distinguished program.

Under Pizzino-Catalano's direction, her students have flourished both musically and personally. She conducts multiple choral ensembles and has served as musical director for 15 high school productions, guiding students through transformative artistic experiences. Her students consistently earn top honors at NYSSMA, All-State, and regional festivals, while many have been selected for All-National ensembles and gone on to study music at some of the nation's most prestigious colleges and conservatories. Her ensembles are recognized for their expressive artistry, technical excellence and ambitious repertoire, including collaborations with professional organizations and performances of major choral masterworks.

Beyond these impressive achievements, Pizzino-Catalano's greatest impact may be found in the culture she creates. She has cultivated a learning environment grounded in inclusivity, respect and joy, where every student feels seen, valued and empowered to succeed.

To her students, she is more than a teacher; she is a mentor, advocate and role model. To parents and colleagues, she is a trusted leader whose dedication enriches the entire school community. Her classroom is more than a rehearsal space -- it is a place where her students develop confidence, character and musicianship.

Pizzino-Catalano's professional contributions extend beyond her school district. Her article, "Following a Legend and Creating Your Own," published in Teaching Music by the National Association for Music Education, reflects her thoughtful leadership in the field. In 2023, she was honored with the Murray Award for Excellence in Education from her district, affirming what her community already knows: She is exceptional. Pizzino-Catalano carries forward the highest ideals of music education. Her influence resonates far beyond the concert stage, shaping not only accomplished musicians, but extraordinary human beings.

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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Christina Palazzo-Catalano and Suzanne Smith pose with the Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award.

Christina Pizzino-Catalano ’06 (left) of Glenville, N.Y., is the recipient of the 2026 Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award from the Julia E. Crane Alumni Association at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. She is seen here after accepting the award from SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (right) at Reunion 2026.

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