Coastal Concerts names annual scholarship winners
Coastal Concerts is once again awarding two scholarships to local high school students. This is the eighth year that the organization has recognized musical talents and skills through awards to young musicians. This year each honoree will receive $1,000.
The two recipients are Maria Scott of Bridgeville and Sierra Spicer of Laurel.
Maria Scott is a second-time winner, having achieved this recognition last year as well. Coastal Concerts scholarship and outreach Chairwoman Dolores Fiegel says, “It was a tough choice for our committee as Maria was also selected before. She was chosen again because of her musicianship. She is a remarkable pianist, and we are proud to be a part of her continued musical growth.” Maria, a home-schooled student, has received many honors during her 10 years’ study of piano. She has been a first-place winner in a number of Southern Delaware Music Teachers Association competitions since 2001. A student at the Wilmington Music School, she has been recognized there with two prestigious scholarship awards.
Her performances have included appearances with the Ambler Symphony in Ambler, Pa., at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at the Wilmington Music School. Lewes audiences will remember her playing at Lewes’ Chautauqua program last summer. She used her Coastal Concerts scholarship last year to attend the Summit Music Festival in Purchase, N.Y. Active in the community, Maria has entertained at the Harrison House Nursing Home in Georgetown and the Manor House Retirement Community in Seaford. Maria intends to pursue her musical career at the college level this fall.
Sierra Spicer, president of the Laurel High School Student Government Association, editor of the yearbook and treasurer of the class of 2010, has a lengthy list of civic and school-related accomplishments. She is known to area audiences through her many vocal performances at Possum Point Players theatre. She has played major roles in a number of its musical productions including “Stinking Rich,” “Guys and Dolls,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and many other shows. Sierra has also been active with Laurel High School’s drama club, playing the leads in Disney’s “High School Musical” and “Grease.” She has performed in many shows at Second Street Players community theatrical group in Milford. Sierra has shared her talents with Read Aloud Delaware, the Delaware State Fair, Laurel’s Chamber of Commerce 4th of July celebrations and many Laurel Lions Club activities. She is planning to attend college this year majoring in musical theater.
Coastal Concerts selects and rewards young musicians through a competitive process. Students must apply and send recommendations, resumes, personal essays and audition tapes or CDs to its outreach committee. Coastal Concerts will mark its 50th concert Friday, Feb. 26, with a gala celebration at the Inn at Canal Square in Lewes. Maria Scott will play at the party in addition to a brief performance by the Daedalus Quartet. The event will benefit the scholarship and outreach committee, which also sponsors a used instrument drive, “Toot Your Own Horn,” for Cape Henlopen elementary school students; in-school free concerts; and musical storytelling programs at area libraries. Coastal Concerts also offers free admission to all concerts for youths 10 to 18 with one accompanying adult.
For information about Coastal Concerts events and concerts, call 888-212-6458 or visit coastalconcerts.org
Article provide by http://www.sussexcountian.com/
