Latest news with #MusicEducation
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Berklee College of Music Freshman Awarded $10,000 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship
SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc. proudly announces Oliver Charles, an 18-year-old guitarist from Los Angeles, California, as the recipient of this year's $10,000 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied directly to Oliver's tuition at Berklee College of Music, where he is pursuing a degree in Guitar Performance beginning this fall. Wilshire Quinn received an impressive array of submissions from talented young musicians across the country. Each entry revealed the passion and individuality that define this new generation of musicians. Among them, Oliver Charles' artistry stood out for its depth, authenticity, and vision. Oliver's musical journey began at the age of two, when he first picked up a guitar. By five, he'd started formal lessons, merging natural talent with training in music theory and composition. What began as instinct has grown into a lifelong pursuit of mastery. As Oliver puts it, the guitar offers an "endless ceiling of possibility," a sentiment that continues to fuel his curiosity and joy with the instrument each day. Reflecting on its deeper impact, he shared, "It's been therapy, a source of courage, and a way to become my best self." Growing up amid LA's vibrant music scene, Oliver embraced the art early on. By nine, he was performing with School of Rock and taking the stage at legendary venues like The Troubadour, The Roxy, and Whisky a Go-Go. His journey also extends online, where he has built a YouTube community of nearly 50,000 subscribers dedicated to the guitar. In high school, he founded a schoolwide rock band, led guitar ensembles, and booked gigs — most notably performing original music at Harvelle's Blues Club in Santa Monica. His influences are vast and eclectic—spanning guitar icons like Jason Becker, John Petrucci, and Marcin, to classical composers such as Frédéric Chopin, whose music he describes as his heart and soul. Oliver is both technically skilled and thoughtfully devoted to honoring music's deeper beauty. Looking ahead, Oliver is eager to join Berklee ensembles where he can improvise, arrange, and collaborate with like-minded musicians—all while pursuing his dream of performing for diverse audiences in ways that connect and inspire. "We are truly moved by Oliver's story, talent, and the deep intentionality behind his musical journey," said Christopher M. Garcia, CEO of Wilshire Quinn Capital. "On behalf of everyone at Wilshire Quinn, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Oliver Charles and look forward to seeing the impact he will make in the world of music." About the Wilshire Quinn Scholarship The Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship is an annual $10,000 award presented to a qualified applicant who embodies leadership in the musical arts through both talent and character. Funds are applied toward tuition and paid directly to the recipient's educational institution. The application includes a brief personal statement and a three-minute video showcasing their musical skills. Applications for the 2026 scholarship will open on March 1, 2026, with the winner announced on or around July 1, 2026. Visit to learn more about the scholarship and application process. About Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc. Funding for the Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship is provided by Wilshire Quinn Capital Inc. Founded in 2004 by CEO and Chief Investment Officer Christopher M. Garcia, the firm oversees the privately held Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, LLC. As one of the premier private lenders in California and across the nation, Wilshire Quinn Capital is committed to strengthening local communities by supporting the arts with awards such as the Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship. Media Contact: Natalie Snyder, (619) 872-6000, nsnyder@ View original content: SOURCE Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Mail & Guardian
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Presents: Jazz for young people – A family celebration of jazz and community
Johannesburg's vibrant music scene is set to come alive with the much-anticipated 'Jazz for Young People' festival, presented by the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. This unique event, scheduled for July 26, 2025, at the National School of Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein, promises a full day of world-class jazz, family fun, and a powerful celebration of youth, creativity, and community spirit. A Festival by Young People, for Young People 'Jazz for Young People' is more than just a concert, it is a movement designed to nurture the next generation of jazz lovers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the festival is curated with young audiences in mind, offering a platform for budding jazz artists to showcase their talents and for young entrepreneurs to access new opportunities. The event is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the National School of Arts. This initiative aims to empower young artists and sustain the vital role of arts education in South Africa, ensuring that the country's rich artistic heritage continues to thrive. Star Power and Mentorship: Zoe Modiga Leads the Way One of the festival's most exciting features is the involvement of NSA alumna and award-winning singer-songwriter, Zoe Modiga. Known for her soulful voice and innovative approach to jazz, Modiga will not only headline the festival but also lead a special roadshow in the weeks leading up to the event. She will visit several participating schools, mentoring students and helping them polish their performances for the big stage. This mentorship initiative is designed to inspire and empower young musicians, giving them invaluable guidance from an industry leader and ensuring that their performances on festival day are nothing short of spectacular. An Eclectic Lineup Showcasing Young Talent The Jazz for Young People's concert lineup is a testament to the depth and diversity of South Africa's young jazz talent. Attendees can look forward to performances by: Biko's Manna – a renowned sibling trio celebrated for their dynamic stage presence. Iphupho L'ka Biko – a crossover jazz band blending traditional and contemporary sounds. NSA Band featuring Zoe Modiga – bringing together the school's top musicians with Modiga's star power. Khutlo Tharo Jazz Band, Sibikwa Marimba Band, East Rand School of the Arts, Morris Isaacson School of the Arts, Parktown Girls Marimba Band, Springs Boys High School, Tshwane School of Music, and Willow Crescent Magnet School of Music Band – representing the best of Gauteng's youth ensembles. TheRealDJ Zandy – headlining as the selector of the day, ensuring the energy stays high between live sets. A Day for the Whole Family 'Jazz for Young People' is designed as a true family affair. Beyond the music, the festival will feature a dedicated kids' zone with inflatables and fun games to keep younger attendees entertained throughout the day. Art enthusiasts can explore an exhibition of jazz-inspired artworks created by NSA students, offering a visual feast that complements the sounds on stage. No festival experience is complete without great food, and this event delivers with a variety of food stalls serving up delicious, succulent dishes to suit every palate. Building Community Through the Arts Festival Producer and T-Musicman CEO, Mantwa Chinoamadi, highlights the event's broader mission: 'Jazz for Young People is a wonderful opportunity to bring families and communities together through the universal language of music. Our goal is to celebrate the rich heritage of jazz while nurturing the next generation of artists and fans who will carry this legacy forward.' By supporting the NSA and fostering a love of jazz among young people, the festival aims to ensure that South Africa's musical legacy remains vibrant for generations to come. Event Details at a Glance Date: 26 July 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Venue: National School of Arts, 17 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg Tickets: R50 (children under 12), R80 (adults/general admission) Booking: Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a parent, an educator, or simply looking for a joyful day out, 'Jazz for Young People' invites everyone to join in celebrating the future of jazz and the power of community. Don't miss this unforgettable family festival, secure your tickets today!
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WFISD awarded best communities for music education
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita Falls Independent School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM). Now, in its 26th year, the BCME is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. 'Wichita Falls ISD has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education,' said Kelly Strenski, WFISD Director of Fine Arts. 'This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our teachers, students, families, and community partners who continue to champion the value of music education in our district.' About The NAMM Foundation The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. Click NAMM Foundation for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
SBS Australia
13-05-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
Ina'ilau a Tama'ita'i: with Rita Seumanutafa
Rita Seumanutafa is a Samoan academic and community leader in Melbourne. Since moving across the Tasman from Aotearoa New Zealand, Ms Seumanutafa has made her mark as an academic, having recently completed a Phd in Music at the University of Melbourne, and also as a community leader, liaising with state government departments in delivering services to the Pasefika community in Victoria. Her efforts in this space during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially driving the vaccination programs, were most impressive. Rita is a prolific composer of church hymns and is very active in teaching choirs in Melbourne - something she had grown up practising and perfecting from the Samoan Church she and her family belong to. In the Arts space, Rita Seumanutafa is one of the creators of the PICAA, the Pacific Islands Creative Arts Association Inc., in Victoria, a hub for actors, directors and writers of Pasefika heritage to share and practise their crafts.
Chicago Tribune
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Andrew High School musician named state's top young composer
When Dash Wilson composes a new piece of music, it's not just the notes that are important but the story they tell, and his creativity earned him first place this year in the 2025 Illinois Young Composer contest. His composition 'Echo of a Raindrop – From Within the Cave' also received an honorary mention at the Illinois Music Education Association Student Composition Contest in the Senior Instrumental Large Ensemble Category. 'I would say when I was writing it there were two things I had in mind. There was kind of a rainy mountain and an adventurer traveling through the mountain,' the Victor J. Andrew High School junior shared. 'So the subtitle of the piece is 'From Within the Cave.' The idea is the adventurer stumbles across the cave and then you're hearing the rainstorm within the cave and it echoes.' The music for the composition, his ninth, came to Wilson when he found a chord on the piano. 'Once I get that idea, I open my voice recorder and capture it as an audio note. I head downstairs and start writing and use that as a reference,' he said, adding that he plays each note of a chord separately so he can remember it. 'Echo' features 16 instruments, with the clave, a wooden percussion instrument often associated with Cuban music, being the most unusual. 'For the most part it's a pretty standard orchestration. Clave and marimba. This piece feels a little bit Latin to me. It's one of my favorite styles,' he shared. 'It feels kind of jazzy but it's also orchestra.' Its jazzy nature is likely due to Wilson's love of jazz piano and improvisation. He is the pianist for Andrew's jazz ensemble and a member of its wind symphony and chorale, as well as being an oboist and English horn player with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra's Philharmonic Orchestra and its Windy City Quintet Chamber Ensemble. The talented Orland Park musician has played oboe for about six years but began taking piano lessons when he was just 4 years old, adding jazz lessons about six years ago. He's not a newcomer to entering this contest. In fact, it's the third time he's entered. 'I have never gotten first before, so I didn't have super high expectations. I was very surprised and excited when I got first place in the contest,' he said. One of the challenges of writing the piece was keeping it within five minutes, one of the requirements of the CYSO's nine-month composition seminar, led by Eric Malmquist and Mario Pelusi. Another is the software he uses, MuseScore, which had glitches in its latest version while he was writing it. 'I think four or five times my flute part corrupted and I had to fix it and save copies. It was a bit of a struggle to get crescendos to go in the right spots.' Wilson isn't resting on his laurels, however, and already has started working on a new piece to be performed by Andrew's wind symphony. During a concert sophomore year, he was challenged by band director Mark Iwinski to write a composition senior year. 'It's a very cool opportunity,' he said. 'It's going to be more exciting. There will be more contrast between the fast and the slow, and it's going to be longer – about twice as long.' Wilson's family couldn't be happier about his latest awards. 'I never fail to be amazed at the music he creates. It's so rich and complex,' said dad Shane Wilson. 'We're just thrilled that it's gotten him such recognition.' His dad, a lifelong music lover, 'can't think of anything cooler than to have music created in your own home. Dash's music just fills our house, and it's wonderful to hear all the things he can do,' he said. 'Dash starts out with these little musical ideas, and over the course of days and weeks, they just grow into these elaborate compositions. He amazes me every time.' Michelle Clairmont-Wilson shares that pride and said she was so happy when 'Echo' earned an award. 'This was his third time I'd placed him in this (contest),' she said. 'He got honorary mention two years in a row, basically fourth place, so it was great he got first place.' She said her son's compositions have a similarity despite their differences. 'I would say a unifying thing I notice is I think all of his pieces have joy and melody. He loves melody. I think a challenge someday might be 'Please write this atonal ear mangler,'' she joked. 'But I'm always surprised there's a depth of emotion and some of those pieces have quite a bit of that. It's surprising for someone of his age to tap into emotion. And some of his pieces, tiny bits of humor come through. Like in 'Echo' there's this moment where there's a slur on the clarinet that makes me laugh. That is his sense of humor sneaking into this.' His mom wears many hats while supporting Dash and his music, including helping with his website, and guiding his interests. 'I guess we were nontraditional in that we were pretty adamant: Be a creator (of content) not a consumer. We really tried to encourage him to build it, make it, film it, instead of being the person sitting there passively watching it,' she shared. 'So I think that was always my role: trying to find interesting opportunities for him and find teachers who were doing the stuff he was interested in.' Claremont-Wilson said writing a composition takes a lot more time than people think, averaging about a month for every minute of music her son creates. 'Fifteen seconds of music can take three to four hours to notate in software like MuseScore. Over the course of a month, it would take about 12 to 16 hours to yield a minute of notated music,' she explained. 'Because Dash is obviously a student, he can't devote to this full time. If you could give Dash anything, it would be a sabbatical where he could just devote himself full time to his two passions: coding and writing music.' After graduating from Andrew, Wilson expects to stay involved with music. 'Regardless of what happens, I think I'll always be doing music,' he shared. 'I'm looking at schools that have a strong music program as well as computer sciences.' He also hopes to continue creating new work. 'I enjoy the process of writing and I also enjoy the end result. But moreso, I love to share with others,' Wilson said. 'I've tried painting and I've tried drawing, and it doesn't come naturally to me like music does. Having a natural way to express my creativity is one of the main reasons I keep writing.'
