Manieri scholarships awarded Posted by Kimberly Jacobson | Jun 13, 2012 | 164 views

The Manieri Jazz & Swing Endowment of the Anacortes Public Library recently awarded scholarships to western Skagit County students who are active in jazz and swing music.

College Scholarship

• Connor Darrow, $1,000 — Connor is a trumpet player (also French horn and classical guitar) in the Anacortes High School Jazz Band, the Fidalgo Youth Symphony and his church youth jazz ensemble and adult classical orchestra. He plans to attend Eastern Washington University and major in music. Last summer, he attended the Jazz Port Townsend Camp through a Manieri scholarship.

• Emma Eliason, $500 — Emma is a Mount Vernon High School senior who plays trombone and tuba and also sings in numerous jazz ensembles and choirs. Emma plans to attend Western Washington University, major in music and become either a middle or high school band/choir director.

Jazz Camp

• Ava Martin, $500 — Ava is a Fidalgo Elementary School student who participates in a variety of music and theater activities including piano lessons, school choir, fifth grade band (trombone) and META Summer Camp. She would like to continue developing her skills and learning about musical improvisation. Ava will be able to attend the Northwest Choir 2012 Honor Summer Camp at Fort Worden this August.

Teacher’s Continuing Education

• Ian Simensen, $500 — Simensen is the band teacher for all Anacortes schools. He teaches beginning band at the elementary schools, middle school band and Jazz Band, and all the high school bands, from marching band to the Jazz Ensemble. Simensen has organized performances to raise money for new band uniforms and a multi-district performance including jazz ensembles from seven nearby school districts. Simensen will pursue his master’s degree through the American Band College.

The Manieri Endowment Advisory Board and the Jazz Committee honored the scholarship winners at their meeting on June 4 at the Anacortes Public Library. A representative of the board presented the awards to the recipients.

For more on the Manieri endowment, visit www.jazzatthelibrary.com.