may 11, 2016
Arizona Musicfest announces recipient of 2016/17 scholarship
Tempe senior Thomas Desrosiers to study at Vanderbilt University
PHOENIX, SCOTTSDALE, TEMPE –Arizona Musicfest has announced the recipient of its 2016-2017 Scholarship Award: Clarinetist Thomas Desrosiers, a senior at Tempe's Corona del Sol High School. Mr. Desrosiers was the unanimous choice of the 2016 Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Selection Committee, which is comprised of distinguished teachers, professional musicians and arts administrators from throughout the Valley.
The Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Award provides young musicians annual financial support which is renewed throughout their undergraduate studies. Mr. Desrosiers will apply these funds towards his pursuit of degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. He will begin his studies in the Fall of 2016.
"When I picked up the clarinet for the first time, the idea of pursuing music as a career never crossed my mind. Over the years of playing and being exposed to more and more music, I have begun to realize the sheer impact that music has had on my life, and how far it has taken me both artistically and academically. I realize now that my main goal in life is to allow music to thrive in me and those around me. I must be equipped to inspire others and convey the power that music can have on our lives. Thanks to generous offerings from the Arizona Musicfest, I will be able to educate myself to a much higher degree. The Arizona Musicfest Scholarship will allow me to share my music with others, and I am overjoyed to be this year's scholarship recipient." - Thomas Desrosiers
"Each year, we are overwhelmed by the caliber of young talent in our community. This year our panel was greatly impressed by Thomas, a young man who truly exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded musician, possessing talent, a love of music and the understanding of the impact music has on all our lives. We are honored to present him with this year's award and look forward to seeing him excel in his future endeavors." - Allan Naplan, Executive Director, Arizona Musicfest
