Two local students were recently awarded scholarships from the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, according to a community announcement.
Anthony Ricci, a junior from Hingham High School, received a $2,500 scholarship to help purchase a new baritone saxophone. He has been active in his school’s wind ensemble, jazz band and chamber winds ensemble. He has also participated in competitive music festivals such as the Southeastern District Music Festival and the SEMSBA Music Festival, according to the announcement.
The new instrument will support Ricci’s plans to apply to a four-year college music program.
Joshua Nielsen, a recent Plymouth North High School graduate, was awarded the Pine Hills Partners Senior Music Scholarship, according to the announcement. Nielsen, who plays classical guitar, has been described by Plymouth Phil music director Steven Karidoyanes as having “mastered his instrument to an exceptional degree.”
Nielsen has performed with The New England Guitar Orchestra and the Boston GuitarFest, an academy run by renowned guitar virtuoso Eliot Fisk, according to the announcement. Nielsen plans to pursue a double major in music technology and classical guitar performance this fall at the University of Vermont.
The Junior Music Scholarship has been awarded by the Plymouth Philharmonic since 2015. It’s open to any high school junior in Plymouth County who plans to apply to a four-year music program. The scholarship can be used for music lessons, master classes, workshops, summer music camps, tuition, travel costs or the purchase of a better instrument, according to the announcement.
The Pine Hills Partners Scholarship was established in 2022. It’s awarded to a graduating senior from Plymouth who plans to pursue a music degree at a four-year college.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is a nonprofit cultural institution in Massachusetts. It offers performances, outreach programs and community partnerships, according to the announcement. The orchestra will soon start its 110th season.
For more information about the scholarships, visit plymouthphil.org/scholarships or contact the Scholarship Committee at 508-746-8008.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
