Philharmonic picks scholarship recipients

The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) announced its 2023 annual scholarship recipients.

MPO provides scholarships to deserving student members each year to support their music education and endeavors. Part of the application process is for applicants to write an essay explaining their interest in the arts, educational and music goals, and how this scholarship would help them achieve such goals. Applicants were further asked to prepare an audition piece for its guest adjudicator, Dr. Jim Waddelow of Meredith College.

These scholarships allow students to upgrade their instruments, attend music camps, receive private lessons, and pay for part of their college education.

Since 2005, MPO has awarded Moore County students over $42,000 in scholarship awards. This year’s scholarship recipients are all honors students at their respective schools and have demonstrated excellence in music, community involvement, and character.

Ryan Stamatopoulos is a North Moore High School senior who has played trumpet and French horn with MPO since 2019. Ryan’s scholarship will be applied toward college tuition. He will attend Western Carolina University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music education.

Tatum Gast is a sophomore at Pinecrest High School. Tatum has been a percussionist and pianist with MPO since 2022 and a percussionist with Pinecrest’s marching band, drum line, indoor percussion ensemble, and jazz band. Her plans include joining Drum Corps International and performing in a collegiate marching band. Tatum will be using her scholarship earnings for private lessons.

Avery Smith is a trumpeter and junior at Pinecrest High School. Avery has been a member of MPO since 2019 and is also a member of Pinecrest’s marching band, pep band, and big band ensembles. His plans include joining Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates and performing in a collegiate marching band. Avery will be using his scholarship earnings for trumpet lessons.

Dustin Bullard is a cellist and has performed with the Moore Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018. He is a graduate of Sandhills Community College and will be attending UNC-Pembroke in the fall to pursue bachelor’s degrees in zoology and music. Dustin will be using his scholarship earnings to upgrade his instrument.

Kacey Seifer is a cellist and senior at Pinecrest High School. She has performed with MPO since 2018 and intends to continue performing while pursuing her associate degree at Sandhills Community College. Her plans include transferring to UNC-Pembroke in 2024 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. Kacey will be using her scholarship earnings for cello lessons.

“The Moore Philharmonic Orchestra congratulates this year’s scholarship awardees,” said MPO in a press release. “We wish all of our recipients the best as they continue to pursue musical excellence through private study and performance.”

Courtesy photo/Contributed.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email