The Muncie Music Center Summer Symposium Scholarship was introduced at this year’s inaugural camp at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. The merit-based scholarship was available to students who demonstrated superior musicianship, leadership skills, work ethic and earned at least a 3.0 grade point average. The award required a nomination from an area band director or music teacher, and each nominee was required to complete an essay about the importance of music education and inspiration.
“Music for All’s (Summer Symposium) is such a wonderful pre-college experience for students,” says Dave Helms, President of Muncie Music Center. We wanted to help get some students there who might not be able to go otherwise.”
A full scholarship was awarded to Sandy An, who plays flute and violin for the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Pendleton Heights High School in Indiana. Sandy received high praise from her music director, Chris Taylor. “Sandy has been a strong musician who sets a great example for other students in her section,” says Taylor. “She works with other flute students and has run sectionals.”
Sandy’s Symposium experience let her shine as she played in the first violin section, second chair, and performed a solo part from the musical selection “Gabriel’s Oboe.”
“Sandy was always eager to learn, and interacted perfectly with students and faculty,” says Marianne Roszyk, orchestra clinician. “She has an enormous amount of talent, which was evident and shared in her solo playing.”
“Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” remarks Sandy. “Because of the generosities in this world I, along with others, am able to further my path in what I love and am passionate about! I hope to enjoy another year at the Symposium with friends I have made, the leaders I highly respect, and with the friends and peers I will introduce to this absolutely AMAZING program.”
