Three students pursuing music educators while fourth studying composition
WATERTOWN — Four members of the Class of 2026 are the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation JP North Country Music Scholarship.
Olivia Ashley, Emery F. Monnat, Joshua P. Weiler, and Madison E. Williams were each recently awarded a one-year, $750 scholarship during a presentation with scholarship founder, SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music Professor Emeritus James “JP” Petercsak.
An acclaimed music educator and percussionist, Professor Emeritus Petercsak touched the lives of countless students throughout a career of more than 50 years as a professor at the Crane School of Music. He joined the faculty in 1968 and served as head of percussion until his retirement in 2023.
The JP North Country Music Scholarship extends his life’s work in many facets of music as a performer- teacher, conductor, clinician, consultant, and as a music industry personality and visionary. The scholarship also ensures that his spirit of innovation, generosity, and dedication to music performance-teaching will continue to inspire young musicians for generations to come.
“This scholarship supports the values of the people from the North Country while inspiring future musicians to pursue their dreams in music and develop their talents; it is one more way to help young musicians in the community succeed,” Professor Emeritus Petercsak said. “I am honored to partner with the Community Foundation to help developing musicians on their educational journeys.”
Established at the Community Foundation in 2025, the scholarship supports students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who are pursuing studies in music. Preference is given to students seeking a degree in music performance or who plan to attend the Crane School of Music.
“It is a great joy to work with someone who has been such a role model to so many during his career and has a deep desire to continue to help students in their pursuits. It is wonderful to see Jim’s vision for this scholarship fulfilled and his impact extended with recipients from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties who are advancing their musical journeys,” Community Foundation President and CEO Rande S. Richardson said.
About the recipients
Olivia Ashley graduated in June from Potsdam High School. She recently began her freshman year at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music where she studies music education. She aspires to become a music teacher. Olivia is the daughter of Kristen and Shaun Ashley, Potsdam.
Emery F. Monnat graduated in June from Carthage High School. She recently began her freshman year at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music where she studies music education. She aspires to become a music teacher. Emery is the daughter of Karalyn and Gwyn Monnat, Watertown.
Joshua P. Weiler graduated in June from Lowville Academy & Central School. He recently began his freshman year at Berklee College of Music, Boston, where he studies music composition. He aspires to become a composer. Joshua is the son of Michelle and Patrick Weiler, Lowville.
Madison E. Williams graduated in June from Carthage High School. She recently began her freshman year at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music where she studies music education. She aspires to become a music teacher. Madison is the daughter of Catherine Cramer-Williams, Carthage.
Renowned for his artistry and vision Professor Emeritus Petercsak performed with world-class orchestras, opera companies, and entertainers, while also expanding Crane’s percussion curriculum to embrace diverse musical traditions. He touched the lives of countless students, and his influence is felt globally. His students have gone on to enjoy successful careers on multiple continents, becoming educators at many of the world’s finest colleges and universities, in-demand performers, accomplished composers, arrangers, arts administrators, advocates for the arts and executives in the music business industry.
Professor Emeritus Petercsak’s achievements and honors as a music educator and percussionist are extensive. He was recognized as a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and, in 2003, was honored by the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association with an Honorary Life Membership. He is a former international president of the Percussive Arts Society, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Crane Institute for Music Business and Entrepreneurship.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.