JACKSON — Recently, the stirring sounds of 42 young musicians filled the band room at Jackson Memorial High School as the Jackson Council for the Arts held auditions for the fourth annual Young Musician Scholarship Program. Scholarships were awarded in three categories to eighth- through 11th-grade instrumental musicians who live in Jackson.
“The council focuses on opportunities to promote a stronger sense of community through the fine and performing arts,” said Vicki Rickabaugh, chairwoman of the scholarship committee. “One important way of nurturing the arts in Jackson is to encourage and acknowledge the talents of our young people.”
Scholarship committee member Carol Blake described the award selection process.
“Scholarship awardees were selected by a panel of musicians and music educators from outside of Jackson. The committee would like to thank Karen Hedden for coordinating our judges again this year, and for being able to bring together the same encouraging panel that has presided over the auditions since the inception of this program.”
Hedden taught music for many years and is a former band director at Brick Memorial High School. Alfred Jorgensen
is a professional classical percussionist specializing in tympani performance. He is a retired band director and performs with the New Jersey Pops Orchestra and the New Jersey Opera Orchestra. Trumpeter Wilbur Witteman is the director of bands and director of jazz studies at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and the director of the Lakewood municipal band.
In the eighth- and ninth-grade division, first place in the classical category went to Hunter Hageman on flute, while second place went to Megan Conger on clarinet. First place in the contemporary category was awarded to Christopher Durham on percussion, and second place was captured by Andrew McAllister on clarinet. In the jazz category, first place went to Amy Dwyer on alto saxophone, and trumpeter Matthew Teta won second place.
In the 10th- and 11th-grade division, first place in the classical category went to Sora Kang on piano. Second place was awarded to Molly Arney on flute. In the contemporary category, pianist Lauren Delesky won first place, while Sarah Risden on mellophone received second place. Guitarist Mark Grayce won first place in the jazz division, and Melissa Mikkelsen was awarded second place on the tuba.
“The awards will be used to offset the cost of music lessons, equipment purchases, music camp or other related expenses,” stated Dr. Pam Turner, president of the Jackson Council for the Arts. “These young people were so exciting to listen to. 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.”
The scholarship program is made possible by the efforts of the Jackson Council for the Arts and its sponsors.
“It is our intent that the scholarship program be entirely supported by donations from the community through fund-raising efforts such as last fall’s Dessert Cabaret,” added Bill Blake, arts council executive board member. “We would like to extend our deep appreciation to Katherine Debow Redlich for her generous support, dedication and enthusiasm.”
The arts council also thanked the following contributors for their sponsorships this year: Perlmutter Family ShopRites; Lina’s Pizzeria and Restaurant; Inzillo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant; Lucia’s Pizza and Subs; Dunkin’ Donuts of South New Prospect Road; Staples of Howell; Sitton Septic; Maselli Warren, Attorneys at Law; and Vicki Rickabaugh.
The scholarship committee also acknowledged the support of Bud McCormick, band director of the award-winning Jaguar Band at Jackson Memorial High School; Scott Katona, assistant band director at the high school; and John McCarthy, band director at the Goetz School.
Donations and memorial gifts to the scholarship program are welcome throughout the year. Tax deductible donations may be made payable to the Jackson Council for the Arts, P.O. Box 748, Jackson 08527.
“We welcome newcomers throughout the year who would like to participate as performers, directors, technicians, or through volunteering for the many behind-the-scenes jobs that help support our endeavors,” Turner said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the arts council or joining any of the council’s activities may call Turner at (732) 833-0255.