Salem High School senior Kaitlin Modaff, a flautist and vocalist, received the Ed Dennon Memorial Scholarship at the New England Scholastic Bands Association Championship at Harvard Stadium. Salem reported the information on Nov. 4, 2026.
The scholarship recognizes a graduating senior for contributions to their school music program and to NESBA, along with musical and academic achievements. It covers more than 40 participating bands throughout New England. Modaff is the second Salem High student-musician to earn a NESBA scholarship in the last 10 years, according to Salem.
Salem’s marching band and colorguard placed third at the championship with a season-high score of 93.96. The colorguard received the High Caption Award for Best Colorguard for the third consecutive fall season.
Modaff was named to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Festival as a vocalist for the second straight year and performed with the SSAA ensemble. She also earned MMEA Northeastern District Festival honors for the second consecutive year and was inducted into the SHS Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Salem Public Schools Music Coordinator and Marching Band Director Ben Chertok described Modaff as one of the best musicians to come through the program in 20 years and among the most academically advanced. Modaff plans to study vocal performance in college.
For more information, visit salemk12.org.