Congratulations 2023-2024 Merit Scholars!

Arts+ is thrilled to announce the winners of our 2023-2024 merit scholarships. Nine students were awarded for their love of music, skill in audition, and more. Congratulations to all!

The Mary H. (Lib) McNeely Scholarship:
Ella Joy Higham, harp, from the studio of Christine Van Arsdale

The Mary H. (Lib) McNeely Scholarship was established by the McNeely family as a celebration of the late Lib McNeely and her love of music. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving music student in voice, piano, or harp based on three criteria: (1) the student’s audition, (2) the student’s demonstrated love of music and understanding of music’s power to transform lives, and (3) the student’s character and willingness to share the gift of music with others. The recipient receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

Sylvia Newman Memorial Scholarship:
Brandon Lauren, piano, from the studio of Dzidra Reimanis

The Sylvia Newman Memorial Scholarship, established by the family and friends of the late Sylvia Newman as a celebration of her life and love of music, is awarded to a piano or orchestral strings student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient is selected solely on the basis of the audition and receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

The David J. Heath Memorial Scholarship:
Constantine Rybak, cello, from the studio of Victoria McLaughlin

The David J. Heath Memorial Scholarship was established by Heather Heath Ryan in memory of her father, David, who had a passion for all types of music, from Beethoven to Miles Davis to the Beatles. Heather credits her father for her love of music and vocal successes, for he always supported her musical ambitions and was present for each and every one of her performances. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient is selected solely on the basis of audition and receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

Southminster Scholarship:
Adam Refeay, cello, from the studio of Victoria McLaughlin

The Southminster Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional musical ability and/or potential through the audition process. The recipient is selected solely on the basis of audition and receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year (one-hour lessons including fall, spring, and summer semesters).

Willie Hudson Memorial Scholarship:
Lucia Delgado Rojas, voice

The Willie Hudson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020 to celebrate the life and legacy of Willie Hudson and his 25 years teaching music for Arts+. Willie was an integral member of the Arts+ faculty, teaching guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion, and preschool music programs from 1995 to 2020. Willie was passionate about music, loved teaching students of all ages, and had an ability to put a smile on the face of every person who interacted with him. This scholarship is awarded to any deserving music student, with special consideration given to students in the Arts+ Rock ‘n’ Blues program performing commercial music genres. This student demonstrates exceptional musical ability, potential, and dedication through the audition process and receives a full scholarship for music study for one calendar year.

Arts+ Exemplary Musician Scholarship:
Saiya Larsen, violin, from the studio of Nora Smilovici
Kris Wilkerson, piano, from the studio of Nancy Tabb
Walter McCann, violin, from the studio of Marissa Keener

The Arts+ Exemplary Musician Scholarships are funded by generous donors, supporters, and stakeholders of the Arts+ initiatives for excellent arts education. We established these scholarships as part of our commitment to high quality education for Charlotte youth, in celebration of our long legacy of music education since 1969. Based on audition, Arts+ awards $500 scholarships to talented students of any age and instrument.

The Charlotte Music Club Outstanding Young Musician Scholarship:
Aakash Thakkar, violin, from the studio of Angela Stanciauskas

The Charlotte Music Club Scholarship recognizes exceptional musical ability based solely on audition. This scholarship is designated toward students currently in 5th Grade and below in celebration of the rising musical stars of the Arts+ community. The recipient receives a scholarship of $750 toward music lessons.