HARRISVILLE — The Blackwood Theater Organ Society has announced it has awarded the highest yearly total with seven scholarships going to high school seniors pursuing a college degree in instrumental music performance.
Due to the exceptional quality of finalists this year, the scholarship committee increased the amount of money awarded for the first time ever. Members of the panel of judges from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra said they had “never witnessed such outstanding performances by students so young.”
Representing areas all over the country as well as diverse musical backgrounds, the winners will be performing at a free recital at the Blackwood Estate in Harrisville on May 17 at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Among the recipients was Michael Fleming, who is is a B flat tuba player from Curwensville Area High School. He has been chair in PMEA District, Regional and State Bands and Orchestras.
Fleming also participated in the National Association of Music Educators All National Honors Band in Nashville and the New York University Brass Workshop, as well as Penn State’s Summer Honors Music Institute.
Scholarships were awarded on the basis of musical talent, recommendations from private and high school music teachers, academic performance, the written essay, motivation and financial need.
Finalists auditioned at Heinz Hall on March 8 before a panel of musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “The judges were overwhelmed by the dedication and talent demonstrated by each of the participants, and said it was impossible to rank one over another, said Ben Robertson, co-founder of the Blackwood Theater Organ Society.
“We are delighted that the scholarship committee chose to increase the award money.”
Since 2001, the society has awarded more than $246,000 in scholarships to 71 of the top high school musicians. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 to $5,000 with an average of six recipients per year.
Past recipients have attended some of the most renowned music schools in the country including Julliard, the New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College, Berklee College of Music and the Eastman School of Music.
This year’s winners will be adding two acclaimed international music schools to the list.
The Blackwood Theater Organ Society is a not-for-profit organization created to encourage students to pursue instrumental music performance careers. The Blackwood Estate is home to a rare Wurlitzer theater pipe organ and concerts featuring internationally-acclaimed performers are held annually with the proceeds going towards the scholarship fund and other charities.
For scholarship and other information for the Blackwood Theatre Organ Society scholarships, visit www.blackwoodmusic.org or contact Ben Robertson at ben@blackwoodmusic.org or by phone at 724.735.2813.