Area Students Join MERIT Extended Program
For Immediate Release September 23, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West's MERIT Extended Program has accepted seven young classical musicians for nine months of study and performance under the guidance of local professionals. Ranging in age from 11 to 18, this year's MERIT Extended students are: Anja Heppner, flute (Goleta); Madeline Matthys, cello (Santa Barbara); Tiffany Meier, violin (Goleta); Maria Poyer, harp (Santa Barbara); Harrison Swalley, trumpet (Santa Barbara); Noah Weitz, piano (Buellton); and Heather Yuan, violin (Santa Barbara).
MERIT Extended students, who are selected upon auditioning for the program, participate in one of three chamber ensembles, receive coaching twice a month, and take part in masterclasses and performances at the Music Academy throughout the school year. Inaugurated in 1998, MERIT (Music Education Reinforces Intellect and Talent) Extended provides promising local students with an opportunity to expand their chamber music education. Directed by Linda Holland and supported by the Henry E. and Lola Monroe Foundation, the Cheeryble Foundation, and United Way of Santa Barbara County, the program operates as an intensive two-week immersion in the Music Academy's annual Summer School and Festival, including mentoring from Academy Fellows. This version of the program, known simply as MERIT, requires a separate application process.
Applications for the 2010 Summer MERIT Program will be available in February. For more information, contact Ms. Holland at 687-6875.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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