AMCA Scholarship Winners 2002

Meet the 2002-2003 AMCA Scholarship Winners

The AMCA Scholarship Committee is pleased to present to our membership the successful winners of our Scholarships for the academic year 2002-2003. Our congratulations to these outstanding young musicians! (See Scholarship winners 2002 announced!)

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 | 1830 since

Bryan Blessing
Bryan is the winner of The Lester Axdahl Scholarship Award for the school year 2002-2003. This is Bryan's second AMCA Scholarship and one can find his previous profile on the 2001 Winners page.
Update: Bryan is entering his Senior year at St. John's University, continuing his studies in vocal music education and music composition. He has continued teaching voice and guitar to about six students. This summer Bryan worked at the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library and found time to search through their microfilm for music from various European libraries. "It is amazing to study the composition process and see the composers' notes, especially on something like Bach's Mass in B Minor."
This summer Bryan volunteered at AmericaFest held at St. John's University with the World Festival of Singing for Boys and Men. Bryan has also been privileged to have had the opportunity to participate on the "world stage" through tours with the University Chamber Choir (central Europe and Texas), St. John's Boy's Choir (Mexico), and St. John's University Men's Chorus performances with the Minnesota Orchestra and at the Minnesota State Music Teachers' Convention.
"Recording my own works has always been a joy for me and now that I am able to do this on a more regular basis, I hope to use my talents in voice and guitar to record works and teach others in the studio setting."
Bryan has been a member of the Staple Area Men's Chorus, Upper Midwest District. This chorus is very proud to serve as Bryan's sponsor.

David Buren
David will begin his freshman year this fall at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, majoring in Vocal Performance. A first-time winner of the AMC of A Scholarship Award, the Lansing, Michigan, native was a three-year member of the Waverly Reflections, Lansing's Waverly High School honors choir. As a member of the highly respected Reflections, David performed throughout Michigan, as well as in Italy and Canada. He has won Superior ratings in Michigan State Solo-Ensemble contests and was a finalist in the Lansing Community College-sponsored Machtel competition. In addition, David performd leading roles in his high school's productions of the musicals State Fair (in which he played Pat Gilbert) and Grease (in which he played Danny Zuko).
"As for the future, I plan on devoting my time to developing as a vocal musician. My first hope is to make a career out of singing and performing. In addition, I am considering a Music Education curriculum as a minor to stay involved with music."
David is proudly sponsored by the Greater Lansing Orpheus Male Chorus, Michigan District.

Leah Gordon
This award is Leah's third AMCA Scholarship, having been a recepient in both 2000 and 2001. Profiles on the 2000 and 2001 Winners' pages outline her previous accomplishments.
Update: Leah is entering her third year at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. As a result of her outstanding work over her first two years she has been accepted in the Opera School undergraduate program, usually reserved only for graduates. As well, Leah will serve as the Opera Representative (2002-2003) for the Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association. In 2003, Leah will be a featured soloist (Messiah) with the Peterborough Singers.
"After I finish my Bachelor's degree I would like to continue at U. of T. and do a Masters of Performance focusing on art song."
Leah is proudly sponsored by the Kawartha Male Chorus, Ontario District of AMCA.

T. Matthew Reichert
Matt is receiving his first AMCA scholarship this year. This fall he will be a Sophomore at St. John's University studying vocal music and history.
Prior to his college studies Matt was extremely active in a variety of musical activities, ranging from his involvement in over thirteen musical productions in which he often had the lead role, to four years with the Central Lakes Conference Honors Choir and the ACDA Honors Choir.
At St. John's Matt sings in the Chamber Choir and in the Monastic Schola for St. John's Abbey. He works with the St. John's Boys' Choir giving recorder and voice lessons, teaching music theory, and helping run sectional and full group rehearsals.
Matt is also the Director of "In the Key of G" choir at St. Boniface Catholic Church. This past summer Matt helped host the AmericaFest International Festival for Men and Boy Choirs and also was involved at the Sixth World Choral Symposium.
"I plan on majoring in vocal music performance or vocal music education from St. John's University. With this degree I will either become a music teacher or a choir clinician/composer."
Matt is proudly sponsored by the Cold Spring Area Maennerchor, Upper Midwest District.

Christina Rice
This AMCA Scholarship will be Christina's second award, having been recognized by AMCA last year. Please see her a profile of her previous accomplishments on the 2001 Winners page.
Update: This school year Christina will begin her Sophomore studies (vocal music education major). She has been elected as the Vice-President of the Central Michigan University chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association. As well, she has joined the CMU Chamber Singers.
In May, 2002 Christina participated in the Central Michigan University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers ten day performance tour throughout China. She was selected to the Dean's List in the School of Music for both of her Freshman semesters at CMU.
Christina's father, Andy, is an active member of the Men of Music.
"In the future, I want to become a high school or college vocal music teacher. I am looking forward to having my own classroom and sharing my love of singing with others."
Christina is proudly sponsored by the Midland Men of Music.

Tim Westerhaus
This is Tim's first AMCA Scholarship. In September Tim will commence his Junior year program at the University of St. Thomas where he currently studies Liturgical Music.
In 2000-01 Tim attended the Indiana University School of Music where he was honored with IU School of Music Ambassador status. Later, he discerned that he felt drawn to music ministry and thus transferred to the University of St.Thomas.
In high school Tim's musical activities ranged from vocal (Concert Choir, musicals) to Band member (trumpet and drum major). Tim is also an accomplished pianist.
At St. Thomas Tim has participated in the Liturgical Choir and assisted Campus Ministry as Student Music Ministry Coordinator. Tim has recently completed a professional recording "The Journey of Life" with David Haas, choral composer and music artist for worship.
"I aspire to rise to the position of Director of Music and Liturgy in a parish, where I would not only have ministerial responsibilities, but would be charged with the leadership and teaching of several choral ensembles, including children, young adults, and adults. I plan on composing music for worship. My dream for music is that my ministry will continue to transform and bring new meaning to people's lives."
The Cold Spring Area Maennerchor, Upper Midwest District, is proud to serve as Tim's sponsoring chorus.

Since 23 Aug 2002

	Bryan Blessing Bryan is the winner of The Lester Axdahl Scholarship Award for the school year 2002-2003. This is Bryan's second AMCA Scholarship and one can find his previous profile on the 2001 Winners page. Update: Bryan is entering his Senior year at St. John's University, continuing his studies in vocal music education and music composition. He has continued teaching voice and guitar to about six students. This summer Bryan worked at the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library and found time to search through their microfilm for music from various European libraries. "It is amazing to study the composition process and see the composers' notes, especially on something like Bach's Mass in B Minor." This summer Bryan volunteered at AmericaFest held at St. John's University with the World Festival of Singing for Boys and Men. Bryan has also been privileged to have had the opportunity to participate on the "world stage" through tours with the University Chamber Choir (central Europe and Texas), St. John's Boy's Choir (Mexico), and St. John's University Men's Chorus performances with the Minnesota Orchestra and at the Minnesota State Music Teachers' Convention. "Recording my own works has always been a joy for me and now that I am able to do this on a more regular basis, I hope to use my talents in voice and guitar to record works and teach others in the studio setting." Bryan has been a member of the Staple Area Men's Chorus, Upper Midwest District. This chorus is very proud to serve as Bryan's sponsor.
	David Buren David will begin his freshman year this fall at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, majoring in Vocal Performance. A first-time winner of the AMC of A Scholarship Award, the Lansing, Michigan, native was a three-year member of the Waverly Reflections, Lansing's Waverly High School honors choir. As a member of the highly respected Reflections, David performed throughout Michigan, as well as in Italy and Canada. He has won Superior ratings in Michigan State Solo-Ensemble contests and was a finalist in the Lansing Community College-sponsored Machtel competition. In addition, David performd leading roles in his high school's productions of the musicals State Fair (in which he played Pat Gilbert) and Grease (in which he played Danny Zuko). "As for the future, I plan on devoting my time to developing as a vocal musician. My first hope is to make a career out of singing and performing. In addition, I am considering a Music Education curriculum as a minor to stay involved with music." David is proudly sponsored by the Greater Lansing Orpheus Male Chorus, Michigan District.
	Leah Gordon This award is Leah's third AMCA Scholarship, having been a recepient in both 2000 and 2001. Profiles on the 2000 and 2001 Winners' pages outline her previous accomplishments. Update: Leah is entering her third year at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. As a result of her outstanding work over her first two years she has been accepted in the Opera School undergraduate program, usually reserved only for graduates. As well, Leah will serve as the Opera Representative (2002-2003) for the Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association. In 2003, Leah will be a featured soloist (Messiah) with the Peterborough Singers. "After I finish my Bachelor's degree I would like to continue at U. of T. and do a Masters of Performance focusing on art song." Leah is proudly sponsored by the Kawartha Male Chorus, Ontario District of AMCA.
	T. Matthew Reichert Matt is receiving his first AMCA scholarship this year. This fall he will be a Sophomore at St. John's University studying vocal music and history. Prior to his college studies Matt was extremely active in a variety of musical activities, ranging from his involvement in over thirteen musical productions in which he often had the lead role, to four years with the Central Lakes Conference Honors Choir and the ACDA Honors Choir. At St. John's Matt sings in the Chamber Choir and in the Monastic Schola for St. John's Abbey. He works with the St. John's Boys' Choir giving recorder and voice lessons, teaching music theory, and helping run sectional and full group rehearsals. Matt is also the Director of "In the Key of G" choir at St. Boniface Catholic Church. This past summer Matt helped host the AmericaFest International Festival for Men and Boy Choirs and also was involved at the Sixth World Choral Symposium. "I plan on majoring in vocal music performance or vocal music education from St. John's University. With this degree I will either become a music teacher or a choir clinician/composer." Matt is proudly sponsored by the Cold Spring Area Maennerchor, Upper Midwest District.
	Christina Rice This AMCA Scholarship will be Christina's second award, having been recognized by AMCA last year. Please see her a profile of her previous accomplishments on the 2001 Winners page. Update: This school year Christina will begin her Sophomore studies (vocal music education major). She has been elected as the Vice-President of the Central Michigan University chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association. As well, she has joined the CMU Chamber Singers. In May, 2002 Christina participated in the Central Michigan University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers ten day performance tour throughout China. She was selected to the Dean's List in the School of Music for both of her Freshman semesters at CMU. Christina's father, Andy, is an active member of the Men of Music. "In the future, I want to become a high school or college vocal music teacher. I am looking forward to having my own classroom and sharing my love of singing with others." Christina is proudly sponsored by the Midland Men of Music.
	Tim Westerhaus This is Tim's first AMCA Scholarship. In September Tim will commence his Junior year program at the University of St. Thomas where he currently studies Liturgical Music. In 2000-01 Tim attended the Indiana University School of Music where he was honored with IU School of Music Ambassador status. Later, he discerned that he felt drawn to music ministry and thus transferred to the University of St.Thomas. In high school Tim's musical activities ranged from vocal (Concert Choir, musicals) to Band member (trumpet and drum major). Tim is also an accomplished pianist. At St. Thomas Tim has participated in the Liturgical Choir and assisted Campus Ministry as Student Music Ministry Coordinator. Tim has recently completed a professional recording "The Journey of Life" with David Haas, choral composer and music artist for worship. "I aspire to rise to the position of Director of Music and Liturgy in a parish, where I would not only have ministerial responsibilities, but would be charged with the leadership and teaching of several choral ensembles, including children, young adults, and adults. I plan on composing music for worship. My dream for music is that my ministry will continue to transform and bring new meaning to people's lives." The Cold Spring Area Maennerchor, Upper Midwest District, is proud to serve as Tim's sponsoring chorus.