Cumberland County Community Band (CCCB) presented two Cumberland County High School (CCHS) graduating seniors with the Patricia and Emery Nagy Scholarship during its final concert of the 2023-2024 season. This award was established in memory of two of the CCCB’s founding charter members during its inaugural year in 2000. The Nagys’ life-long careers in music education and performance and their love of music continued as they both enjoyed playing trumpet with CCCB for many years.
This year’s recipients are:
Yasmin Rojas-Estrada, flute player, will attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall 2024, majoring in elementary education and English as a second language. She also looks forward to participating in the Flute Choir during her time in college. Rojas-Estrada was active in the CCHS marching band, Future Farmers of America and was a reading volunteer.
Ryelly Smithson, euphonium player, will attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall 2024, majoring in music education. Smithson was active in the CCHS marching band, Jet Theatrix theater group, choir and was a reading volunteer. Additionally, she was recognized and earned second chair euphonium in the Herman Honor Band at Tennessee Tech University at their Festival of Winds and Percussion program.
Senior high school students in Cumberland and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. This scholarship and award amount is based on attendance and years of participation in high school band and the CCCB. Each student is required to submit a cover letter requesting the scholarship, letters of recommendation and letter of acceptance to their selected university or college by the scholarship deadline.
Please join the CCCB for their 2024-2025 concert season beginning with the fall veterans benefit concert on Thursday, Nov. 14. Concerts are free and held at Stone Memorial High School auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about the band and the concert schedule, please visit www.cccband.net.