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Susquehanna University - Laura M. Backes
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SELINSGROVE — Laura M. Backes, of Coal Township, graduated summa cum laude from Susquehanna University on May 11 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Backes, a graduate of Shamokin Area High School, is the daughter of James and Christine Backes, and a granddaughter of John and Ann Backes and the late Woods and Marcella Kitchin.
While at Susquehanna University, Backes was a Presidential Fellow, a University Scholar, and was on the dean’s list each semester. She received the Elizabeth Eyster Award granted for excellence in music and academics, and earned the departmental honor of performing a senior recital in addition to a junior recital on saxophone. She was selected as a student representative of the Artist Series Events Committee.
She performed with the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, University Choir, SU Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra and other various saxophone quartets. She performed in several master-classes, including those with the Chicago Saxophone Quartet, Jean-Marie Londeix of the Paris Conservatory, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
As a member of SU’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Team, she volunteered in New Orleans.
Backes was an active member of Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Collegiate Division, North American Saxophone Alliance, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, a national education honor society. In 2005 and 2006, she was selected for Pa. Inter-Collegiate Band. She was a student teacher at Upper Dauphin Area Elementary-Middle School in Loyalton, and at Muncy Jr./Sr. High School in Muncy. She spent her summers as a counselor at the New England Music Camp in Sidney, Maine.
Backes has accepted a position with West Branch School District in Morrisdale, where she will be teaching elementary music.
While at Susquehanna University, Backes was a Presidential Fellow, a University Scholar, and was on the dean’s list each semester. She received the Elizabeth Eyster Award granted for excellence in music and academics, and earned the departmental honor of performing a senior recital in addition to a junior recital on saxophone. She was selected as a student representative of the Artist Series Events Committee.
She performed with the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, University Choir, SU Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra and other various saxophone quartets. She performed in several master-classes, including those with the Chicago Saxophone Quartet, Jean-Marie Londeix of the Paris Conservatory, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
As a member of SU’s Hurricane Katrina Relief Team, she volunteered in New Orleans.
Backes was an active member of Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Collegiate Division, North American Saxophone Alliance, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, a national education honor society. In 2005 and 2006, she was selected for Pa. Inter-Collegiate Band. She was a student teacher at Upper Dauphin Area Elementary-Middle School in Loyalton, and at Muncy Jr./Sr. High School in Muncy. She spent her summers as a counselor at the New England Music Camp in Sidney, Maine.
Backes has accepted a position with West Branch School District in Morrisdale, where she will be teaching elementary music.
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| Annual Ned Smith Festival slated Friday and Saturday | Memorials: Shamokin-Coal Twp. Public Library |
