Cascade Blues Association's

Christopher Mesi
Memorial Music Scholarship

Fall 1999 Award Announcement

Dustin Rose

Dustin Rose is a recent graduate of Reynolds High School and is currently enrolled and attending Portland State University, with plans to major in vocal music. He has studied music for close to 10 years and has become a versatile musician with training in guitar and piano, as well as maintaining his dedication to singing. If any of you have ever competed in the District or State Solo Competitions, you know it takes severe dedication, an undeniable talent and nerves of steel -and that's before you even start to sing. Dustin not only competed in these distinguished competitions, but took home several top placements and a superior rating.

Also of special note, Dustin passed the National Piano Playing Auditions of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, thereby becoming a member. He was also voted most outstanding choral musician his senior year while serving as choir president. Described by one of his high school teachers as a student that "...is able to see the value of perseverance and effort. Not only does Dustin see the value of these things, he puts them into effect in his life ... Dustin is strong in his personal understanding of who he is and what his goals are".

One of our requirements for the scholarship application is an essay written by the student that helps us get to know the applicant, how they became interested in music, who were their influences, and what their goals for the future are. Dustin writes that his earliest influences come from his Grandmother. "My Grandmother and I would sing songs out of her hymnal. Whenever I went to her house, from the time I stepped through the door, we would head to her piano and spend hours in front of it, going through all of her favorite songs. She truly was and continues to be an inspiration in my life. It is because of this, that I have chosen to make life more enjoyable for others by going into the field of music."

Dustin has set his future sites on teaching music once he graduates. "I would become a public school teacher and direct a school choir or I will teach private voice lessons. I will also continue in music ministry for my church and even further my musical studio productions. There are countless options within the music field." As you can see, Dustin has the focus and the ambition to keep music an essential part of his future -which is exactly what the Christopher Mesi Memorial music Scholarship was intended for.

I want to thank Dustin and all the other qualified applicants who bring music info our lives. The number of applications received continually grows each time a scholarship is given out. Thanks to your generous donations at the meetings and events, we have increased the scholarship award from once to twice a year. Your continued support for the Christopher Mesi Memorial Music Scholarship ensures its future growth in providing financial assistance for music students in need.

For further information regarding the scholarship, please contact Susan Stewart (503) 231-0745 or just keep watching (and reading) your BluesNotes.

Love and Blues
Susan Stewart
CBA Scholarship Committee Chair