The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis held its annual awards ceremony April 24 at Harris Concert Hall, handing out a multitude of honors that included the Presser Foundation Scholarship, the Scheidt School’s most prestigious award.

Smit Music Composition Award 

Presented by Dr. John Baur, Professor of Composition 

This award is given in memory of Johannes Smit, Professor of Composition at the University of Memphis. It recognizes an outstanding composition student. Awarded to Juan Cardona-Ospina and Bryan Pallotta. 

 

Staff Recognition Award 

Presented by Dr. Heather Klossner 

The award recognizes the hard work and dedication of a staff employee at the Scheidt School of Music who has exceeded expectations this school year. Awarded to Karen Mueller.

 

Early Music Award 

Presented by Dr. Kenneth Kreitner, Professor of Musicology 

This award recognizes the graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of historical performance.  Awarded to Makenzie Wade. 

 

Memphis Gridiron Show’s Berl Olswanger Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Kevin Richmond, Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies 

The scholarship, given in memory of Berl Olswanger by the Memphis Gridiron Club, recognizes an outstanding music major. Awarded to Taylor Stumph. 

 

SunTrust Scholarship Fund 

Presented by Dr. Kevin Richmond, Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies 

The two undergraduate awards are given to two outstanding incoming freshmen residing in or near Shelby county. 

The graduate award is given to an outstanding graduate student. Awarded to Daryl Rojas. 

 

Presser Foundation Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Kevin Richmond, Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies 

This award, donated by the Presser Foundation, is the School of Music’s most prestigious award, and is given to an outstanding music major who will be a senior next year. This award recognizes someone who combines excellence in their major with a strong record of academic achievement and contribution to the School of Music. Awarded to Emma Halpin. 

  

Douglas C. Lemmon Memorial Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. John Mueller, Associate Professor of Trombone and Euphonium 

Given by friends, colleagues, and family in memory of Douglas C. Lemmon, Professor of Trombone at the University of Memphis. Awarded to Hunter Ervin. 

 

Dr. Charles Schulz Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Kevin Sanders, Director of Graduate Studies 

Awarded to an outstanding tuba student. Awarded to Ryan Stella. 

 

Dr. Barbara D. Mashburn Choral Scholarship 

Presented by Emily Frizzell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Education 

The Dr. Barbara D. Mashburn Endowed Scholarship was established to assist students who desire careers in choral music education. Barbara is a retired choral music teacher and an alumna of the University of Memphis. Awarded to Emma Halpin. 

 

Ethel Taylor Maxwell Vocal Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Kyle Ferrill, Assistant Professor of Voice 

This scholarship, given by Professor Emerita Ethel Taylor Maxwell, recognizes outstanding music students majoring in voice. Awarded to Holly Thiemann and Timothy Marsh. 

 

Elba Gandy Memorial Scholarship 

Presented by Timothy Shiu, Assistant Professor of Violin 

Donated by Ellen Davies–Rogers in memory of Elba Gandy, this scholarship is presented to outstanding music students. Awarded to Morgan Bell, John Eric Brown, Joshua Muzzi and Kashirim Nwobilor. 

 

Jim Green & Tag Hedges Green Graduate Fellowship in Music

Presented by Dr. Albert Nguyen, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands 

Established by the Hedges family to recognize an outstanding graduate student pursuing band conducting or instrumental music education. Awarded to Jason Cole. 

 

Dr. Sidney J. McKay Fellowship 

Presented by Dr. Albert Nguyen, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands 

This award recognizes an outstanding graduate student with a focus in instrumental music education. Awarded to Jon Nash.

 

Lubrani Clarinet Award/Music Memorial Fund Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Albert Nguyen, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands 

Established in memory of Frederick Lubrani, Professor of Clarinet at the University of Memphis, this award honors an outstanding clarinetist. Awarded to Alyssa Storley. 

 

John G. Hughes Music Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Cathal Breslin, Assistant Professor of Piano 

This award, given in memory of John G Hughes, recognizes an outstanding keyboard student. Awarded to Francisco Adrian Gascue. 

 

Herbert Hermann Memorial Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Cathal Breslin, Assistant Professor of Piano 

This award, given in memory of Herbert Hermann, recognizes an outstanding student studying keyboard. Awarded to Marcus Browning. 

 

Jerry Lee Lewis Endowed Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Jack Cooper, Director of Jazz Studies 

This award is given to an outstanding student enrolled in jazz studies pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree. Awarded to Brenae Johnson. 

 

Joe D’Gerolamo Memorial Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Jack Cooper, Director of Jazz Studies 

Established in honor of Joe D’Gerolamo, former faculty member in jazz, this award is given to an outstanding student enrolled in jazz studies. Awarded to Reggie Owens. 

 

Charlie Rich Scholarship 

Presented by Dr. Jack Cooper, Director of Jazz Studies 

Established by the family of Charlie Rich, the scholarship is awarded to an outstanding music major. Awarded to Auldin Givhan. 

 

Sam Phillips Scholarship 

Presented by Jeff Cline, Associate Professor of Music Industry 

Established by his family and friends, this scholarship recognizes the creative achievements of Sam Phillips of Sun Studios, the first to record Elvis Presley. It is awarded to an outstanding music engineering major. Awarded to Jalen Jones. 

 

Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship 

Presented by Ben Yonas, Assistant Professor of Music Business 

This award, in one of Memphis’ most famous musical names, recognizes an academically outstanding and financially deserving music student. Awarded to Compton McMurry. 

 

Robert Kelley Memorial Scholarship 

Presented by Ben Yonas, Assistant Professor of Music Business 

This award recognizes an outstanding music business student. Awarded to Charles Seaton.

 

College of Fine Arts Graduate Performance Award

Heather Klossner, assistant professor of music education at the UofM, gave the program’s opening remarks. She also served on the awards committee with Scheidt School colleagues Jack Cooper, Jeremy Orosz, Susan Owen-Leinert, Randy Rushing, Michael Shults and Mary Wilson (chair). 

 — Phillip Tutor, CCFA media coordinator, potutor@memphis.edu