Again, there is a good group of student candidates from which to choose. They range from high school seniors just on their way to a university program to university juniors who may finish their studies in the next school year.

As always these are an amazing group of young people. Doing this work gives me the opportunity to read about candidate' hopes and goals; see the letters that others write about them, look at their scholastic achievements and listen to their recorded performances.

It is understood that these student candidates are selected because they are special. They have all of the characteristics that one would hope to find in all people. They, without exception, are involved in their communities, local theater, their churches and in extra curricular activities in their schools. Their aspirations are to learn, do well and go out to make their mark on the world. Of course music is at the heart of these candidates so it is good to see how often they are just waiting to pass on their love of music to future students or their communities.

This makes the job of the Evaluators more difficult. They must winnow through their abilities and records to find those who will be awarded one of the AMCofA Scholarships.

We will know the names of this season's awardees before Big Sing time. Should you ever meet one of these candidates, congratulate them and encourage them to continue with their endeavors.

Regards,
Robert H. Torborg
AMCofA Scholarship Chair