Young Artist Scholarship
Each spring at the Young Artist Scholarship Concert, we award a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior music student who plans to continue music studies at the college or university level. The CHORALE, a community choral ensemble, is seeking to promote continuing education in music and participation in music organizations during and beyond college years. This is the 17th year such an award will be made.
2008 Young Artist Scholarship Winners
This year we are very excited to announce that 3 students have been named recipients of the Young Artist Scholarship. Each will receive a $1,000 check from The CHORALE for their accomplishment.
Emelinda Escobar
Emelinda Escobar, a home schooled student from Urbana, plans to attend the University of Illinois majoring in violin performance. “The intellect and beauty of music are much like that of science, revealing fascinating concepts to its pursuer,” writes Emelinda.
Emelinda is the daughter of Urias and Margaret Escobar. She was concertmaster of the East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra (ECIYO), the winner of the ECIYO 2007 competition on piano, and a member of the orchestra’s string quartet. She won 3rd place in the Danville Young Artist Competition this year on violin and last year on piano. She is currently studying violin with Sibbi Bernhardsson of the Pacifica Quartet
Derek Maninfior
Derek Maninfior, a senior at Mattoon High School, plans to major in piano performance and pursue a career as a performer and piano teacher. “Music is my passion,” says Derek. “Ever since I was a little boy, my dream has been to create music for people who are willing to listen.”
Derek is the son of Mark and Susan Maninfior. He has performed several solo recitals at Eastern Illinois. He won the ISMTA senior piano competition at Western Illinois University. He has accompanied IMEA solo and ensemble contests, and his church choir, and performs as pianist in the praise band at First Baptist Church in Mattoon.
Jennifer Roloff
Jennifer Roloff, a student from University High School, plans to major in oboe performance with a possible double major. It was during a solo oboe contest at the University of Iowa when she realized her love of performing and her wish to play oboe professionally.
Jennifer is the daughter of Jeff and Susan Roloff of Urbana. She was the winner of the 2008 Danville Concerto Competition, the 2008 Young Baroque Artists Competition and the 2007 and 2005 Midwest Oboe Competition. She soloed with the Danville Symphony Orchestra earlier this year.
In addition to this year's scholarship winners The CHORALE recognizes and awards an honorable mention to two talented and promising students. Peter Deal, a senior at Urbana High School, intends one day to become a music director at the high school level or higher. Peter earned the IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest 'Best of Day' for 2 years and was soloist at ISYM Trombone camp for 3 years. Peter is the son of Linda Vaughn. Bernadette Wagner, a senior at The High School of St. Thomas More, hopes to become the organist or music director for a large church, or professor of organ at the university level. She is the 2008 and 2007 winner of the Young Organist Competition in Wheaton, Illinois. She has high regard for the traditional sacred organ music of the church and intends to play a vital role in preserving it. Bernadette is the daughter of Barry and Deborah Wagner. The presentation of this year's awards will be made during the Young Artist Scholarship concert on May 4th. In addition to performances by two of this year's winners, Adelaide Muir a previous scholarship winner shall also perform. We enlist your support for this project, and look forward to receiving applications from your school. If you know of private teachers who might have qualified students, please share this information with them. If you are interested in applying for this year's scholarship complete the application form. The CHORALE is very proud of the accomplishments of this group of inspired students. Each year we are impressed with the incredible level of musicianship that these young people have achieved. We sincerely hope the best for them in their musical endeavors. It is your support and encouragement for this program that allows us to continue to recognize these talented young people. * indicates an honorable mention.2008 Honorable Mentions
Peter Deal
Bernadette Wagner
Name Year of Award Emelinda Escobar 2008 Derek Maninfior 2008 Jennifer Roloff 2008 Peter Deal* 2008 Bernadette Wagner* 2008 Alex Chin 2007 Alex Cahill* 2007 Molly Netter 2006 Tyler Rivera Stein 2005 Andrea Hunsinger* 2005 Chris Whittaker* 2005 Davion Williams 2004 Stephanie Lee* 2004 Tom Siders 2003 Katrina Kappas* 2002 Andreas Stoltzfus 2002 Adelaide Muir 2001 Jim Siders 2000 Hilary Nieman 2000 Grace Xu 1999 Leslie Eldridge 1998 Mark McLane 1997 Bill Rank 1996 Julie Buck* 1996 Amy Treat 1995 Charles Butts 1994 Ian Sean Tatum 1993