Vivian orthwein

Instruments you play/voice and number of years of playing this instruments:

I have played violin since 4th grade, piano since 9th, cello in concert orchestra for 12th grade, and I dabble in singing.

Musical Ensemble(s) you have participated in and years of participation:

I have played in orchestra’s from 6th-12th grade beginning at Maple Avenue and continuing through to Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra at the high school. Additionally, junior year I played in the Saratoga Springs Youth Symphony.

Musical Awards/Recognition you have received:

Just this one!

NYSMMA Participation/Level Achieved:

I participated in NYSMMA several times; I believe I have officially done levels 3-5.

College you will be attending and degree you are pursuing:

I will be attending Wesleyan University to pursue music and environmental science.

Future Career Plans/Hopes:

I am not sure what the future holds for me but I can say with confidence that I will be a cool old lady who teaches music lessons when I retire. Currently I am considering becoming an environmental scientist or a music teacher.

How does this scholarship help you in the future:

This scholarship helps me to continue my music education. Not only is it financially encouraging, but I have also never been recognized for musical achievement before and that is very encouraging as well.

Advice for younger musicians in the district (elementary/middle school students):

Stick it out! I desperately wanted to quit playing violin for all of 4th and 5th grade because it was so hard and I didn’t think I sounded good, but my Mom wouldn’t let me. Once I got to middle school, I found things I could play that actually sounded like music. Now, music is one of my favorite things to learn about and do for fun. Genuinely, orchestra was the highlight of my high school experience.

Any other information about family/music/other achievements (sports)/etc.

I would just like to thank you all for the scholarship and all your support.

Madeline cook

Instruments you play/voice and number of years of playing this instruments: 

I have been singing for as long as I can remember! I also dabble in piano, ukulele, and french horn!

Musical Ensemble(s) you have participated in and years of participation: 

I have participated chorus and band all throughout middle school and participated in concert and symphonic band for 2 years and in Choraliers for 3 years in high school.  I have participated in over 30 musicals in a range of roles in the Saratoga Springs High School Drama Club, Saratoga Children's Theatre, and Proctor's School of Collaborative Arts. 

Musical Awards/Recognition you have received: 

Ballston Spa Community Band scholarship

National Chorus Award

NYSMMA Participation/Level Achieved: 

I have participated in NYSSMA since 6th grade! Each year I received outstanding scores and very informative and useful critiques 

College you will be attending and degree you are pursuing: 

Berklee College of Music; Music Business and Management

Future Career Plans/Hopes: 

I hope to pursue a career in the music industry whether that be managing or touring. I also hope to continue to sing and perform.

How does this scholarship help you in the future: 

I am so honored to have received this scholarship! This will help me pay tuition!

Advice for younger musicians in the district (elementary/middle school students): 

Believe in yourself! It can be so easy to be very self critical but it is important to focus on the good while lightly acknowledging what you can do better! 

Any other information about family/music/other achievements (sports)/etc.

I have started a non-profit with some of my best friends called Stories for Success! We give literacy supplies to every new family born at Saratoga hospital! Check us out! https://storiesforsuccess.carrd.co/ 

Any Fun Fact(s):  I have 3 cats! Tigger, Maple and Snickers! I love them to pieces! 

Cory shishik

Musical ensemble you have participated in, and how many years:

Jazz Band, 2 years 

Musical awards/recognition you have received:

Woody Herman Jazz Award 

Future career plans/hopes:

My future plan is to be a successful touring musician in a band of my own playing shows with original music and bring happiness to other people through music the same way happiness was brought to me through music all these years.

How does the scholarship help you in the future:

I will use the funds to upgrade my musical equipment so I can find more ways to write and play music. 

Fun fact: 

I play the banjo in fourth tuning instead of standard open G, but no one has said anything about it so I’m an incognito banjoist