Katherine Hoover Lacy

Katherine Hoover Lacy, a 1955 graduate of Springfield Township High School, is a world-renowned composer, flutist, and advocate for women in the arts. Her passion for music began in early childhood, nurtured by her parents despite their own lack of musical backgrounds. By age five, she was taking piano lessons, and by eight, she had found her instrument of choice—the flute.

At Springfield, Katherine excelled in music, participating in bands, vocal ensembles, and regional honors groups. Her talent earned her admission to the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where she studied flute with Joseph Mariano and composition, graduating with honors in Music Theory and receiving the Performer’s Certificate in Flute.

Katherine’s groundbreaking compositions, such as Kokopeli, drew inspiration from Native American culture and have been performed worldwide. A staunch advocate for women composers, she organized festivals and served as Composer-in-Residence for significant events, leaving a lasting legacy. Among her many accolades are the Academy Award in Music and recognition as Composer of the Year by the New York Music Teachers Association.

Katherine’s work has been featured at the Kennedy Center, recorded by leading orchestras, and showcased in Emmy-winning documentaries. Katherine Fletcher Hoover’s extraordinary career and unwavering dedication to the arts have left an indelible mark, both on her community and the world of music.