Past Scholarship Winners

2007-2008 Young Artist Scholarship Winner

Maryna YermolenkoMaryna Yermolenko was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1990. She completed her secondary education in Kiev Specialized Secondary Music School named after M. Lysenko, where she majored in both violin performance and music theory.

Ms. Yermolenko has performed as a soloist as well as a member of various chamber ensembles in Russian, Ukrainian, European, and American cities. A few of her solo appearances were with the Kiev National Symphony Orchestra, the Kiev Youth Orchestra and the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony.

Ms. Yermolenko was the first place winner of the International Competition “XXI Century Art”, Vorzel, Ukraine; the National Competition named after Y. Polanski, Kiev, Ukraine; and the International Competition “Tradition and Modernity” named after M. Mazur, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. She also placed in the International Chamber Ensemble Competition named after S. Taneyev, Kaluga, Russia.

Ms. Yermolenko is the recipient of various scholarship awards which include: the International Association “New Stars” Scholarship (Moscow, Russia), the Russian National Academy of Music Scholarship (Moscow, Russia), the International Organization “Friends of Switzerland in Ukraine” Scholarship (Zurich, Switzerland), and the Lysenko Music School for Gifted Children- Scholarship of Honor (Kiev, Ukraine).

Currently, Ms. Yermolenko is completing her Bachelor’s degree at Lynn University Conservatory of Music, Boca Raton, Florida, with world-renowned violinist Elmar Oliveira.

2006-2007 Young Artist Scholarship Winner

Nicholas GalfondNicholas Galfond began studying percussion in the fifth grade and has studied privately with Todd Walker, Bryan Braue, A.J. Lustig, and currently Ron Hughes. He is a senior at Martin County High School and is one of the section leaders in both marching and symphonic bands. Nicholas is also a member of the Treasure Coast Percussion Academy, directed by Ron Hughes. This year he has performed as a soloist with the percussion ensemble at the University of South Florida Marimba Festival and the group has been accepted to play at the Florida Day of Percussion in April.

Nicholas was nominated by MCHS for the Pathfinder Scholarship award in the instrumental performance category. He has recently concluded his college auditions and has been accepted on scholarship to the University of Florida and is currently awaiting decisions from the University of Miami and Eastman School of Music.

2005-2006 Young Artist Scholarship Winner

Michael ProvinceMichael Province is ten years old and has been studying violin for 4 1/2 years. When Michael was 5 he heard someone in his kindergarten class play and thought it was cool. He has been a Florida Federation state winner for Solo, Concerto, Duet and Fiddling in 2002, 2004, and 2005. He was awarded first place in the 2004 Starz of the Future instrumental competition. Michael is currently studying acting, ballet, jazz and piano. His current violin teacher is Ms. Carol Cole. He practices 2 hours a day.

He delights in performing and bringing happiness to others. He has played at Sunfest, green markets, artfests, churches, luncheons, weddings and fundraisers. It is not unlike him to whip out his violin in a restaurant, store or dental appointment. He loves playing for his grandma who melts with the sound of her grandson playing "Impossible Dream." He measures his success on whether he brings tears to her eyes.

His favorite things to do are running around and playing tag, spending time with friends and family and reading 4-5 books a week.

2004-2005 Young Artist Scholarship Winner

George NicksonGeorge Nickson is currently a senior at Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida, and is the son of Stix and Christine Nickson. George has studied extensively at the Interlochen Arts Camp, Berklee College of Music, and The Juilliard School summer programs. Nickson is currently a student of Rhett Del Campo, principal percussionist with the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida.

George has performed throughout the United States with groups such as the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, The National Wind Ensemble, and The National Festival Orchestra. George is the winner of many prestigious awards including the Mariam Cannon Hayes Scholarship Award for a free summer of attendance at the Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University, The Fine Arts Award from The Interlochen Arts Camp, and is the winner of the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra's Concerto Competition for the year 2005.

He has performed under the baton of some of the world's most notable conductors including Jung-Ho Pak, Gerard Schwartz, H. Robert Reynolds, Lukas Foss, and Frederick Fennell, and has studied with Scott Stevens, assistant principal percussionist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Greg Zuber, principal percussionist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; and Dan Druckman, percussionist for the New York Philharmonic. George has been an All-State percussionist for the past five years, and has performed solo marimba recitals and clinics at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

George recently completed college auditions and has been accepted to the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He is awaiting acceptance decisions from Manhattan School Of Music and The Juilliard School.

2003-2004 Young Artist Scholarship Winner

Thomas CallinoThomas Callino began his musical career at age 11, when he entered Lincoln Park Academy. When he saw his grandfather's old violin, he asked for lessons. His first teacher was Gerard Augustine, a former concertmaster of the Treasure Coast Symphony. He started playing in the TCO at age 13; he was the youngest member at that time. In his sophomore year, he attended Sewanee Music Camp; in his junior year, he attended Interlochen Music Camp. At that time, he was concertmaster of the Lincoln Park Academy High School Orchestra.

His other teachers included Igor Markstein, Dr. John Enyart, and most recently, Matt Stott. He plans to pursue a career in music education.

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