School of Music Distinguished Professor Karolyn Stonefelt, who has already received two prestigious State University of New York honors, will be formally recognized in the international community as recipient of the 2016 Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement in Education Award.
Dr. Stonefelt will be given the award, which recognizes the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion education, in November at the society’s convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
“I am deeply moved and grateful to receive this recognition. The world of percussion has endless possibilities and I am delighted to inspire students to these discoveries,” said Stonefelt, who is also chair of Percussion Studies at Fredonia.
“This award is a fitting recognition of what we at Fredonia have long known about Professor Stonefelt’s person and work,” said School of Music Director Melvin Unger. Previous honors received by Stonefelt include the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and being named a SUNY Distinguished Professor in 2014.
“Now, in awarding a Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Stonefelt, the international community has affirmed the breadth and impact of her work,” Dr. Unger added.
Alec Dube, a School of Music alumnus and adjunct instructor, said Stonefelt’s dedication to her students and work has earned her the utmost respect not only among her colleagues, but with some of the world’s most successful artists and educators.
“This award is a befitting recognition of Dr. Stonefelt’s humble, yet magnificent efforts as an educator in the world of percussion,” Mr. Dube noted.
Stonefelt earned a doctoral degree in Music in Percussion Performance at Indiana University and has pursued additional studies in Ethnomusicology and Jazz History. She is also timpanist of the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. Stonefelt joined the School of Music faculty in 1993.
The Percussive Arts Society inspires, educates and supports percussionists and drummers throughout the world. The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2002.
