YOUTH MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNIZES FOUR LOCAL PIANO STUDENTS

June 12, 2009 – The Community Choir, Inc.’s George G. Rink Memorial scholarship recently funded individual master class sessions with visiting pianist Peter Basquin for four young musicians.

The sessions, held in late May in conjunction with Basquin’s May 24 appearance in the Church on the Hill concert series in Berkeley Springs, offered the young instrumentalists the opportunity to perform for and be coached by the renowned concert pianist.

Lydia Griffiths, Laurel Worley and Nathan Worley of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. and Merrick Jensen of Hagerstown, Md. were nominated for the George G. Rink Memorial scholarship by their piano instructor, Patricia Springer. The four teenage pianists each performed one or two classical selections for Basquin and a small, but appreciative audience, then received individual critique and coaching from the master teacher.

“The Community Choir, Inc. was happy to offer these talented young musicians the opportunity to study their craft with a master instrumentalist,” said acting Community Choir Board Chair Bill North. “The George G. Rink Memorial Scholarship is made possible through the contributions of individuals and organizations – in Morgan County and beyond – that believe that musical and artistic training is essential to the development of lifelong skills that prepare young people for successful careers in the arts, education, and social services.”

The George G. Rink Memorial scholarship was established earlier this year by The Community Choir’s Board of Directors in memory of one of the Choir’s founding members. The scholarship recognizes promising young local musicians ages 12 – 19 who are pursuing instrumental or vocal training, music theory, composition, or conducting studies.