2012 Youth Soloist Scholarship
Scholarship funds for the TWO $500 Youth Soloist Scholarship Competition Winners are provided by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the West Michigan Concert WINDS.
Applications & Auditions
High School students are required to audition for a chance to win a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice, plus the winners will perform a solo work with the West Michigan Concert WINDS at the "Winners and WINDS" concert on March 11, 2012.
Auditions are Thursday, Jan 26 and Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm in the Muskegon Community College Band Room. High School 11th and 12th grade wind and percussion students are eligible. Return the application to Mrs. Gail Brechting by January 20, 2012.
2010-2011 Youth Soloist Scholarship Competition Winners
Eric Hester is a senior at Reeths-Puffer High School. He plays trombone under the direction of Charles Hodson and is currently tutored by Jim Ryke. His past instructors have included Gail Brechting, Richard Erne and Brian Olian.
Eric is a member of the Reeths- Puffer Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Madrigals. He has been involved with Solo and Ensemble all four years of high school, receiving First Division ratings every year. This success has garnered him invitations to the Youth Arts Festival for the past two years. In addition, Eric has been involved in the Grand Valley State Honors Band and the West Michigan Youth Symphony, playing first chair trombone for both ensembles.
Next year, Eric has been accepted as a member of the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University where he will pursue a degree in music education.
Justin Auten, presently a senior at Reeths-Puffer High School, started playing the saxophone as a freshman. During his high school years, Justin participated in the Reeths-Puffer Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Reeths-Puffer Madrigal Choir.
Justin's recognitions include: Most Outstanding Band Member, two-time recipient of Student of the Month, Arts Council of White Lake Music Scholarship and Division I - Ratings in District and State Solo and Ensemble competitions. In addition to his musical interests, he has held memberships in S.T.A.T.S, National Honor Society and Destination Imagination. He also plays with the West Michigan Concert Winds, has twice attended Western Michigan University's Seminar Summer Music Camp, and is a member of Cornerstone Free Methodist Church and Eternal Youth Ministries Group.
Justin looks forward to a mission trip to Haiti this summer and attending college in the fall, with a major in music education.
