January 26, 2009
Monday

Ketchikan, Alaska - The Sam Pitcher Scholarship Fund Advisory Committee announced that six students, of various ages & demonstrating a wide range of exceptional talents, have been awarded 2009 Sam Pitcher Music Scholarships. The $500 primarily merit based scholarships were awarded to the students who demonstrated exceptional talent and motivation in music. The scholarships will assist the six recipients to attend summer music camps or programs that will provide an opportunity to improve and expand their abilities.

This year's youngest recipient is Micah Long, a 7th grader at Schoenbar Middle School. Micah's primary interest is as a vocalist but she is also interested in improving her piano skills when she attends The Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Micah sings and sometimes solos with her school choir as well as with smaller groups. Micah is the daughter of Kay and Tim Long.

Matthew Johnson is an 8th grader at Schoenbar Middle School who is interested primarily in rock music. Matthew plays both the electric and acoustic guitar as well as trumpet. In addition to playing in a rock band, Matthew also plays in a McPherson Jazz Club band and in the school band. He plans to improve his guitar techniques at The Sitka Fine Arts Camp. His parents are Lorraine and David Johnson.

9th grader Alec Pankow is an extremely versatile musician, playing piano, guitar and bass guitar, clarinet, tuba and vocals. He has played in a variety of bands, both at school and elsewhere, as well as performing in musical theater. At The Sitka Fine Arts Camp, he plans to take a variety of jazz classes as well as learning more about the production side of music. Alec is the son of Andy Pankow and Penny Pedersen.

Louise Bryant is a 10th grader at Ketchikan High School. Louise plays clarinet, tenor sax, and piano. She plays with all the school bands and was chosen to participate in Southeast Honor Band. Louise also won a scholarship in 2008 and attended The Sitka Fine Arts Camp. She plans to return this summer to work on improving improvisation, take jazz band classes, and piano lessons. Louise is the daughter of Pat Bryant.

Somewhat new to Ketchikan but not to music is 11th grader Kate Guillemette. Her primary instrument is the tuba but she also plays bass guitar, baritone sax, and performs vocals. She has been selected for Southeast Honor Band, All State Honor Band and the All Northwest Honor Band. She plans to attend The Sitka Fine Arts Camp where she hopes to take instrumental and vocal music classes as well as musical theater. She is the daughter of Lorrie Guillemette.

12th grader Victoria Clary is primarily a vocalist who also has some training in piano. Victoria has been selected for Southeast Honor Choir and All State Honor Choir. She is hoping to pursue a career in Musical Theater and possibly teach music and drama. Working toward this goal she will use her scholarship to attend the Central Washington University Musical Theater Summer Conservatory. Victoria is the daughter of Shirley and Doug Clary.

The Sam Pitcher Memorial Scholarship Fund is a fiscally sponsored project of the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council. Its primary fund raiser is the yearly winter concert, "An Evening of Jazz, Rock and Blues" featuring the McPherson Jazz Club bands and the Kayhi Jazz Band. The fund was established by Sam's family and friends following his death in 2003 to honor his memory and his great love and talent for music. Since its inception 24 scholarships have been awarded.Tax deductible contributions can be made to the fund at anytime through the Arts Council.

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Ketchikan, Alaska