Arizona Musicfest Names 2015 Scholarship Winner

Arizona Musicfest has selected Ryanne McLaren, a senior from Campo Verde High School in Gilbert as the 2015 Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Winner. The $2500 award will support the young pianist's studies at Biola University Conservatory of Music in La Mirada California where she has been accepted to pursue Bachelor's Degree in Performance in Piano and Organ. She will begin her studies at Biola in the fall of 2015. As a scholarship recipient she is elibible to receive annual renewals for the Arizona Musicfest Scholarship with the potential to receive $10,000 during her college career.

Ryanne began learning piano at just 5 years old. By high school she had become a promising young pianist, receiving "Honors Superior" and "Superior with Distinction" ratings at Arizona competitions including the prestigious Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) and was a finalist in last year's Arizona Musicfest Young Musician's Competition.

A well-rounded musician, Ryanne also is an accomplished violinist and vocalist, performing as Concert Mistress for the Campo Verde High School Symphony and was recognized with "Superior" rating as first violinist by the AMEA. During the past two seasons, she advanced to the Arizona All-State Honor Choir.

Ryanne is an accomplished scholar and citizen. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, The Campo Verde High School Principal's Council, as well as serves as a volunteer for a wide range of causes from Operation Christmas Child, Paws for a Cause and Teens for Jeans.

A generous collaborator, Ryanne often serves as accompanist for the Campo Verde High School choir, orchestral and band concerts as well as Assistant Music Director for the school's musical theater productions. In addition she assists younger musicians and students as a private piano teacher and English tutor and is Founder and President for the Campo Verde High School Ukulele Club.

"I am truly thankful and overjoyed to receive this scholarship as it will not only help me to pursue a conservatory education, but will also give me the ability to take advantage of incredible opportunities such as studying abroad. Performing with Arizona Musicfest has certainly made me a better musician and it is an honor to represent this organization as a scholarship recipient." -Ryanne McLaren

"Among a high level of applicants, we were pleased to award Ryanne this year's scholarship. From her strong academic credits to her musical passion and accomplishments, Ryanne exemplifies the spirit of the Musicfest Scholarship program. We are proud to add her name to the roster of Arizona Musicfest Scholarship recipients and we wish her all the best for her studies." Said Executive Director Allan Naplan.

He continues, "We so appreciate the generosity of our Arizona Musicfest donors who make this scholarship possible, enabling these young musicians to annually receive funding throughout their college careers."

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