First Act Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of $25,000 in scholarship funds for inner-city students to attend this year’s Heifetz International Music Institute Summer Program in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. First Act has donated a total of $100,000 for annual scholarships to the Heifetz Summer Program over the past three years. This is the first year that the scholarship fund has been made available exclusively to inner-city students. “By making this scholarship fund available to inner-city students,” says Bernard Chiu, Chairman of the Board at First Act, “we demonstrate good corporate citizenship by supporting these students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in the Heifetz Summer Program.”
All candidates and students for the Heifetz Summer Program were selected by the Heifetz International Music Institute. First Act congratulates the following scholarship winners and wishes them an enjoyable summer at the Heifetz Summer Program.
Jessica Hernandez, voice (age 23, New York, NY):
Jessica was the winner of a talent search held for students and alumni of PS-20 in New York City. Her beautiful, natural voice made her stand apart from the other entrants. She has never received any formal voice training and is eagerly looking forward to attending the Heifetz International Music Institute.
Tony Rymer, cello (age 15, Dorchester, MA):
A brilliant young cellist, Tony was a Sphinx Competition finalist this year. A mature, personable young man, he has had extensive performing experiences in both solo and chamber music. He has attended the Apple Hill Chamber Music Festival and is currently a student at the Walnut Hill School.
Michael Long, viola (age 17, Decatur, GA):
Michael is an extremely dedicated young musician, with a family that has made great sacrifices so that he can pursue his dream. He was a Sphinx Competition semi-finalist in 2004 and has served as co-principal in the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra as well as being in the Georgia All-State Orchestra for three consecutive years.
Camerson Cripe, viola (age 17, Bellefonte, PA)
Camerson is a talented, highly intelligent young woman. She has won positions in regional and All-State High School Orchestras and has tremendously enjoyed her entry into the world of classical music.
Aisha Schafer, violin (age 15, Baltimore, MD):
Aisha is a serious and dedicated student, focused on developing her skills to a level that will enable her to have a career in music. She sets the work ethic standard at the Baltimore School for the Arts.