Norwood Hinkle, circa 1950s. Putney School courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine The Putney School has received a transformative $2 million endowment gift from alumna Carol Stein ’61 to establish the Norwood Hinkle Faculty Chair in Music, honoring the legendary educator who shaped the school’s music curriculum for more than three decades.
The endowment will support the position of Director of Music, ensuring long-term stability for a program that has been central to Putney’s identity since its founding.
Stein, who sang in madrigals and studied music history and harmony under Hinkle at Putney, established the chair in recognition of the profound influence he had on generations of students.
Norwood Hinkle served as music director at The Putney School from 1939 to 1972, developing a program defined by exacting standards and musical excellence. Along with his wife, Cornelia, who taught piano and was an accompanist, he created a culture where students experienced music as an integral part of their education and lives. His imprint on the rhythms of the school lives on in traditions such as Community Sing.
“Music was one of the most important things about Putney when I was there and it continues to shape my life,” Stein says. “I want music to be a significant feature of the school going forward, and hope others will join me in making this the strongest program we can build.”
Additional contributions will allow the program to grow imaginatively and to develop depth. Stein envisions expanding opportunities for students through visits from guest musicians, exposure to conservatory-level pedagogy, and enhanced performance experiences both on and off campus.
Head of School Daniel O’Brien said the gift represents both a profound act of gratitude and a strategic investment in the school’s future.
“Carol’s generosity honors Norwood Hinkle’s extraordinary contributions while ensuring that future generations of students can make music a core part of their Putney education. An endowed faculty chair allows us to attract and retain exceptional music educators who understand that creativity and intellectual growth are inseparable—a principle at the heart of Putney since 1935.”
Income from the endowment will support competitive compensation, professional development, and program resources for the Director of Music. In an era when many schools struggle to fund arts programs, Stein’s gift strengthens the school’s ability to keep music a vibrant and integrated part of campus life.
The gift is part of Sing It Forward, a campaign designed to strengthen Putney for the next century. Generous alumni and friends have committed more than $39 million to date for new student and faculty housing, endowed funds for the arts, and financial aid.
The Putney School is a progressive, coeducational boarding and day high school in Putney, Vermont. Founded in 1935, Putney develops confident, independent thinkers who lead with purpose and integrity. Students engage deeply in academics, arts, and experiential learning on the school's working farm and through programs that emphasize hands-on work, creative expression, and community responsibility. Learn more at putneyschool.org.
1.27.2026. PUTNEY, Vt. — The Putney School https://www.putneyschool.org/
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