Through both performance and dedication, senior Molly Schutzman has demonstrated her natural musical talent, becoming an integral part of the music department. A virtuoso involved in chorus and theatre, Schutzman has been fervent about music since fourth grade when she joined West End Elementary’s chorus: “I was a pretty shy kid growing up, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and join the school musical to give myself something to do after school. I had seen the musical the year prior and saw how much fun everyone had on the stage; that was a driving factor in my decision to join the club and start performing.” Since then, Schutzman has participated in various musicals, plays, and choral performances.
After beginning her vocal journey, Schutzman participated in her first school musical, The Music Man. Portraying Amaryllis, Schutzman practiced and developed her acting, singing, and dancing skills. Following The Music Man, she took part in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as Truly Scrumptious, High School Musical as Taylor McKessie, Anything Goes as an Angel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Benjamin, Grease as Marty, and will play Donna in the upcoming high school production of Mamma Mia. Her expertise only grew from there as she participated in the New York State Music Association (NYSSMA) festival for a number of years. As a result of auditioning, Schutzman has been accepted into five All-County festivals since fifth grade.
In middle school, Schutzman’s passion for music only grew. “I had continued to perform in whatever opportunities were presented to me. Especially after school opened up again after the pandemic, I was so excited to be on stage again with my friends,” she said. She enhanced her musical capabilities by auditioning for North Middle School’s musical High School Musical Jr. Landing the role of Taylor McKessie, Schutzman displayed her vocal and acting talents. She reflected, “When I was in High School Musical in eighth grade, I had such a great time doing the show, and it only strengthened my love for music and theater more.”
Entering high school, she joined the mixed chorus, performing in winter and spring concerts, along with the annual NYSSMA festival. Towards the end of her freshman year, Schutzman auditioned for concert choir and was inducted into the National Music Honor Society, otherwise known as Tri-M. Chorus teacher Barry Wyner reminisced on her audition and commented, “I was struck by how Molly’s singing is a perfect blend of technical skill and conveying emotion… I’ve shed tears from Molly’s singing more times than I can count.” Following her admittance to concert choir, Schutzman auditioned and performed at Tri-M’s annual Cabaret Night, singing songs from hit musicals such as Les Misérables and Jekyll and Hyde. Schutzman has also taken part in show choir, showing off her dancing and singing skills with her fellow concert choir members at The Jazz n’ Pop Concert since her sophomore year. Junior Jack Boll expressed, “Molly is such a great singer, and her presence is so welcoming, but she also encourages others to pursue music further and push themselves. She’s so motivated that it makes me motivated, too.”
Now a senior, Schutzman remains an inspiration to her friends and peers. “She has really inspired me and continues to keep me organized and is always willing to help others if they need it,” Boll commented. Wyner added, “She is genuinely happy for her friends on their successes and achievements. I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t love and admire Molly.” After graduation, Schutzman plans to study actuarial science. Even though her music studies will come to an end, her impact on Lynbrook music will endure.
