Below are excerpts from the essay submitted by 2016 Hilo Community Chorus scholarship winner, University of Hawaii Hilo student Moriah Mathson (photo above).

“…I remember singing during elementary school and a few church productions, but I never did any formal singing during middle school, high school, or college because I felt like it was not my forte. This spring semester was my first time singing in a choir….

…I was in band during middle school and high school; I played the clarinet. I liked band because I enjoyed being part of a group, and we all had the same goal: to share beauty. After high school, I tried to get involved in the local community band and was able to perform with them for one year. Sadly the community band fell apart because 1) most of the band was made of the high school/middle school music teachers and their schedules were packed, and 2) their tuba player passed away…

…During high school, I participated in the Alaska Southeast Music Convention for three years. Southeast Music Convention is an event that happens during the spring. All the high schools from the different islands travel to a host city of the year (Sitka, Juneau, Haines, or Ketchikan) to perform competitively for three days….

….I played piano from 7^th grade until I was 26 years old and was leaving for college [in Hawaii]. I stopped playing because I couldn’t afford to take lessons while in college….I decided to change my decision from being a music major to a career in the medical field (which will support my music habit). I earned a professional certificate in Harmony and Ear training from Berklee College of Music online during the time I thought I was going to be a music major….

….My objectives and goals, at this time, for choral music is to audition and take Kapili Choir Spring 2017. Being in the University Choir has opened more doors to me as a musician. It is nice to know, if I practice, I can participate in other choirs such as community or church choirs. This experience also allowed me to form new friendships. The next step of my education will require me to leave the Big Island. I do not know if my family will be able to come with; if they cannot, I will be on my own for the first time. If it is possible to join a choir, I will make friends and will be able to function better in graduate school. Having good friendships and support is incredibly important when you do not have family around.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO MORIAH FROM HILO COMMUNITY CHORUS AND BEST WISHES FOR A LIFETIME FULL OF MUSIC AND GOOD FRIENDS MADE IN CHORUS WHEREVER YOU MAY LIVE