JACKSON — Last month the Jackson Council for the Arts hosted the second annual Young Musician Scholarship Program.
"One important way of nurturing the arts in Jackson is to encourage and acknowledge the talents of our young people," said Vicki Rickabaugh, chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee. "Last year’s program was a huge success. This year we had so many applicants that we had to expand the competition to two days."
According to a press release, May 17 served as the day for 10th and 11th grade instrumental musicians to strut their stuff. Students performed on woodwinds, brass, piano and marimba in jazz, contemporary and classical music categories.
Organizers said $300 scholarships were awarded for first place and $200 scholarships were awarded for second place. In the 10th and 11th grade division, first place in the jazz category went to Anthony DeFeo on alto sax while second place went to Jeff Flynn on tenor sax. First place in the classical category went to pianist Chris Tuite, with second place going to Rebecca Mision on clarinet.
In contemporary music, first place was awarded to Patricia Delesky on clarinet and second place was earned by trumpeter Justin Gardacki.
"These young people were so exciting to listen to," said scholarship committee member Cyndy Montes. "We also want to highlight their talent for a wider audience, so we are inviting our finalists to perform at a future arts council event in the next year."
Professional musicians from outside of Jackson served as judges for the evening. Karen Hedden taught music for 30 years and is a former band director at Brick Memorial High School, Brick Township. Alfred Jorgensen is a professional classical percussionist specializing in timpani performance. He is a retired band director and performs with the New Jersey Pops Orchestra and the New Jersey Opera Orchestra. Wilbur Whitteman is the director of the Georgian Court College, Lakewood, wind ensemble, the Lakewood Adult Big Jazz Band and the Lakewood Middle School Band.
"This year’s scholarship program was funded from a variety of events throughout the year," said Kevin DiGesu, a member of the scholarship committee. "Additional sponsors included Commerce Bank and the 30th Legislative District of state Sen. Robert Singer, Assemblyman Mel Cottrell and Assemblyman Joe Malone. To cover the expenses of the audition evening, we are grateful for donations from Wal-Mart of Howell, the Jackson Shop Rite and Lina’s Pizzeria and Restaurant."
The council thanked Bud McCormick, band director of the Jaguar Band at Jackson Memorial High School, for coordinating all the arrangements at the high school.