The Lone Star College-CyFair Music Department recently awarded a total of $3,100 in fall endowment and talent scholarships to future passionate musicians and educators.
The Susan J. Caldwell Endowment for the Arts Scholarship has been awarded to vocalist Brandon Nesmith, a member of LSC-CyFair’s Concert Choir and Chamber Choir, and to cellist Brandon England, a member of the LSC-CyFair Symphony Orchestra.
“I like to sing in different styles, but my voice tends to fit in better with Italian arias and German art songs,” said Nesmith, a non-traditional student who sings tenor. “I want to be a choir director for high school. However, I also plan to get my master's in conducting and see where that takes me.”
England also plans to teach music, but to those who are in instrumental programs.
“I find the cello to be a very fulfilling instrument to play,” said England. “I will use what I’ve learned at LSC-CyFair to lead a productive and successful career as a music educator.”
Both these endowment scholarship recipients are in their second year of the Associate of Arts Field of Study: Music degree plan. In order to qualify for this merit-based scholarship, students must be enrolled at least two music courses at LSC-CyFair.
Music Department Talent Scholarships have also been awarded to first-year students Jacob Barnes, Leslie Chavez, Klarisa Condinato, Laura Cross, Tino Flores, Aiden Feakes, Blake LeBlanc, Natalie Fraga and Adrian Sierra. Second-year student scholarship recipients include Noah Elkins, Brooklyn Mitchell, Angela Molina, Russell Pruett and Daniella Trujillo. Talent Scholarships are available to students based on need and demonstrated merit.
Condinato, who plays the euphonium and trombone in the Jazz Band as well as the piano, bass guitar and acoustic guitar, plans to earn a master’s in music to become a music therapist and teach private lessons in multiple instruments to many students.
“I play these instruments because I have a burning passion for music and am always interested in learning new things in music as well as perfecting my craft,” she said. “I would love to use my musicianship to make a living and to help other people grow in their own music.”
Also interested in a music therapy career and passionate about music but as a vocalist, is Mitchell, a choir member who plans to graduate this spring.
“I am a vocal major and I am trained chorally and classically,” she said. “I have been singing all my life and it is what I need to do for the rest of it. I know it is the career path for me.”
For information on joining the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band or Concert Choir (no matter your field of study), taking private music lessons from LSC-CyFair’s internationally recognized instructors, or applying for Talent Scholarships for spring 2021, contact Dr. Herrington at bherrington@lonestar.edu.