The Marietta Master Chorale, a local community-based vocal ensemble offered four scholarships of $500 each, in four categories: conductor, composer, accompanist and singer, for 2008 graduating seniors going into a music degree program.  

2008 Sarah Elizabeth Stedman Young Singer Scholarship

On May 8, the Chorale presented a "facsimile check" to, and enjoyed a brief recital from, the recipient for the 2008 Sarah Elizabeth Stedman Young Singer Scholarship.  The recipient is Miss Anna Catherine Gerlach, a senior at Sequoyah High School in Cherokee County.   Anna is the daughter of Charles and Paula Gerlach and the granddaughter of Wilma Nichols of Kennesaw and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gerlach, Sr. of Lawrenceville.   Anna has the distinction of having been selected for All-State Chorus for each of the 6 years in which she auditioned.  In 2007 she was one of only 100 students selected nationwide to represent the State of Georgia in the National Anthem Project float (with the Oak Ridge Boys) in the Rose Bowl Parade. She also has been awarded several other scholarships for her talent and superior musical accomplishments.  She has been accepted into the School of Music at Kennesaw State University.

Pictured L to R are:  Paula Gerlach, Doug Breland, Anna Gerlach and Charles Gerlach, Jr. - Parents and Accompanist of Anna Gerlach.
 

Joanna Federico Cox Young Accompanist Scholarship

The Chorale proudly presented its first Joanna Federico Cox Young Accompanist Scholarship award to Miss Yuka Kikuchi on May 15th.   Yuka is a senior at Walton High School in Cobb County.  During her four years at Walton, Yuka sang with and accompanied the Walton Choirs and has been selected through audition to perform many solo performances at school and community events.  In 2007 she was awarded Honorable Mention at the Music Teachers National Association State Senior Piano Competition.  At the scholarship award ceremony, Yuka performed a short recital for the Marietta Master Chorale.   Yuka will attend the highly selective Manhattan School of Music in New York in the fall.  

 
Pictured are L to R: Masato Kikuchi, Yuka's father and Yuka Kikuchi

The Chorale will again offer the scholarship program in 2009 and more information about the program and the Chorale, can be found at www.mariettamasterchorale.org.