During its Spring shows in May, through the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus Memorial Scholarship Foundation, the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus was able to award two scholarships to local high school seniors who will pursue either a major or a minor in music while in college—Ashley Sarah Decker and Thomas Noble Roberts.
The application process includes an application, a letter of recommendation and a performance video audition. Scholarship recipients are announced on stage during one of our shows and perform their audition piece during the show.
Ashley Sarah Decker is a musically and academically talented 2023 graduate of Niceville High School (NHS). She was actively involved in the choral music program since her freshman year and four choirs while also serving as a teacher’s aide. Ashley was a member of the women’s chorus and Niceville Singers all four years of high school and was selected for Opus One during her junior year. Additionally, she was a member of the Jazz Girlz ensemble since her sophomore year and was selected for the All-County Chorus three times. Ashley also held leadership positions in the Select Women’s Chorus and Jazz Girlz Chorus. Ashley contributes to the community through part-time employment and refereeing for Club and Community League soccer. She plans to attend the University of West Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music with the goal of conducting collegiate-level choirs, teaching piano and being a choir clinician.
Thomas Noble Roberts, a 2023 graduate of Niceville High School, is in the top 6% of his graduating class with a weighted GPA of 4.51. A well-rounded individual respected by his peers, his talents extend far beyond the classroom as he excels in trumpet playing, receiving numerous accolades at local, state and national levels. Tommy has been the principal/lead player in the Wind Symphony and Big Band ensembles at NHS and was even elected by his peers to hold the office of Band President. He is also a leader in the community as a member of the Boy Scouts of America and is actively involved in his church community. Tommy plans to pursue a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance and a Bachelor of Science in biological science, as well as taking pre-med requirements to apply to medical school.
The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus Memorial Scholarship was established in 1993 in dedication to numerous long-time chorus members. In the past two decades, the FWBCC has awarded scholarships of more than $50,000.
Looking forward, the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus holiday performances will be held December 8, 9 and 10 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Save the dates! For more information, visit https://fwbc-chorus.square.site.
