08/27/2026
June through August, without missing a beat…
Saranac District Music Department Student Highlights
Summer may bring a break from the school-year schedule, but our Saranac students continue to make music, perform, learn, and share their talents throughout our community!
Marching Band Brings the Energy—Rain or Shine
Our high school marching band weathered the rain with smiles while enthusiastically rousing our community with a performance of “Mr. Brightside.” Even the weather couldn’t dampen their energy or enthusiasm!
The Saranac High School Band not only performed for graduation this year, but also helped send off senior and fellow band member Sebastian Prial, who will be starting at West Point Academy and was unable to attend the Class of 2026 ceremony. The band provided both traditional selections and a cheerful farewell, concluding both events with the student’s choice of “Last Friday Night.”
Crane Youth Music Summer Camp
Three of our eighth-grade musicians attended the Crane Youth Music summer camp in Potsdam. This weeklong music camp has been a summer tradition for more than 50 years!
Cetta Sexton returned to camp on trombone after attending last year on a voice scholarship. Eelynn Giroux and Bay Staples were recipients of We Are Instrumental scholarships for voice this year.
The students finished the week with a concert showcasing what they had learned, followed by the camp’s traditional choir featuring more than 100 students.
Saranac Students Take the Stage
Theatre and dance are an important part of many of our students’ lives, and they jump at every opportunity to perform!
This summer, Olive Borrette kept busy preparing for not one, but two shows at the Depot Theatre in Westport. Olive was a “worker” in the production of Hadestown and, shortly afterward, began preparing for her role in Ride the Cyclone.
The Adirondack Regional Theatre’s production of Finding Nemo also featured many Saranac students who are no strangers to the stage: Ava Glover, Cole Fay, Allyssa Miller, Elliott Peryea, Eelynn Giroux, and Liberty Titus, along with two additional Morrisonville students, Millie Titus and Jordyn Cody.
These are names you will continue to see in future music programs!
The Strawhatters Community Band
Several of our musicians continue to participate in The Strawhatters Community Band, a nonprofit organization that has been part of our community for more than 60 years.
The Strawhatters perform at a variety of community events, including the Fourth of July, the Battle of Plattsburgh, fundraisers for the food shelter, nursing homes, and other concerts. One of the unique features of the ensemble is its wide range of ages, with musicians ranging from 15 to 70 years old.
Saranac connections include Noah Siskavich, James Lynch, Claire Dupuis, Addie Mitchell, Dustin Judd, Ella LaTulip and Reagan Wood, as well as teachers Rebecca Shuman, Elisha Harrington, and Penny Wiese, and former Saranac Music Teacher Robin Cameron-Phillips.
Our students enjoy volunteering their time to play new music, meet musicians of different ages and backgrounds, and, of course, get their audience tapping their toes!
Continuing to Grow Through the Summer
Many of our students also take private lessons throughout the summer, taking advantage of the opportunity to keep up their “chops” and receive specialized instruction on their instruments. These lessons help students maintain their skills and continue developing as musicians.
Beyond this, our students are also involved in making art and participating in a variety of dance ensembles, including ballet, hip-hop, and Irish dance.
Charlotte Smith, Cecilia Ladieu, Emma Kiroy, Penelope LaRosa, Lillian Emery, Marissa Davis, Noelle Eney, Alivia Bachman, Emilia Bowen, Allie Garrow, Maci Supernault, Lillian Olsen.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to welcoming back our returning musicians and seeing the excitement new members bring to our programs. Many of our musicians will be preparing auditions for Area All-State while also getting ready for the 4th Annual We Are Instrumental Music Summit.
Be on the lookout for more highlights featuring the many accomplishments of our dedicated Saranac students. We are proud of the ways they continue to share their talents, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to our community throughout the year!
