Scholarship Program

The mission of the West Hartford Women’s Chorale is to enrich the cultural life of the community by performing a broad repertoire of vocal music and to provide music and music education for the benefit of the community. In keeping with this mission, the chorale seeks to support young vocalists and musicians who have demonstrated a commitment to music with a scholarship to be put toward their future education. We hope that these scholarships will help support students with their dreams for the future.

This is the 14th year that West Hartford Women’s Chorale will offer scholarships to deserving seniors in a Greater Hartford high school. Applicants are chosen because they have been active participants in their high school music program throughout their time in school and plan to continue with music in some capacity in college.

2024 Scholarship Winners Announced

The WHWC is pleased to award three 2024 scholarships to talented high school musicians. The WHWC has been raising funds to support student musicians since 2010. Each year, the chorale scholarship committee receives applications from student musicians throughout the Greater Hartford Area. This year two students will receive awards of $1500 and one runner-up student will receive a $1000 award to help forward their music studies.

2024 Scholarship Winners: 
Anushri Sandeep, Alana Calhoun + Miguel Davila

Anushri Sandeep from South Windsor High School is interested in pursuing a career as a vocalist and music therapist. She has been involved with her high school music program as a member of the honor’s level SWHS Show Choir, honor’s level Treble Choir, and Orchestra Program. Described by her music director as a strong performer, she is also connected to her culture through Indian Classic music with vocal, dance and violin performance. She shares her expertise and love of Indian Classic music now as a teacher. She is a generous volunteer, a straight A student and confident leader. Jereme Martineau, Director of Choral Studies, and Theatre Management states, “She is relentlessly enthusiastic, contagiously positive, and incredibly giving of her time to ensure the group’s excellence. . .Her personality, perseverance, and leadership skills are conducive to reaching her goals and will help her become a fine young professional.”

Alana Calhoun from Rham High School, Hebron, will pursue a music education degree in college. She has been creative in pursuing music throughout her life in the face of limited family resources. She was trained in Suzuki violin, and when that became unaffordable, she turned her energy toward vocal music. In addition to her achievement as a musician and vocalist, Alana is an accomplished student and athlete, her passion and enthusiasm for music was evident from her application. Her choral director, Mrs. Bailey E. McKiernan, states, “Alana is a kind, hard-working, valuable member of our music department and we are very proud of her accomplishments at both our Regional Auditioned choirs as well as her contributions to Connecticut All-State choirs.” Bruce R. Phelps, Mentoring Band Leader, shared, “Many of her performances have been truly stunning, drawing the admiration of audiences and fellow musicians alike. My confidence in her is such that I have invited her to several of my own professional engagements, where she has performed extremely well.”

Miguel Davila, a top student at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy, will receive the third runner up 2024 scholarship award for $1000. Miguel is a drummer who also plays viola, piano and guitar. His taste in music covers a broad spectrum from classical to indie rock and his study of music has gone well beyond the classroom. He has participated in Litchfield Jazz Camp among other music experiences beyond his high school. Miguel plans to major in music production technology and wants to grow as a song writer as well. His music teacher at HMTCA, Jeff Kenniston, states, “Miguel is the best of both worlds when it comes to being a musician; he has an innate sense for rhythm, dynamics, and natural aptitude on whatever instrument he tries, and also puts in the time, effort, and practice to hone his abilities and get himself performance ready in every situation. …. Last year he was in two bands in guitar class, and he showed himself to be a great asset as a band mate … one who will lead and guide the group if necessary. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Miguel is his quality of character. He is a caring, honest, and conscientious individual who puts the needs of others before his own.”

The WHWC strives to support music education in the community through performances, collaborations, and annual scholarships. Thank you to our generous GivingTuesday, 2024 donors who made these scholarships possible. Many thanks to Shiela Nussbaum and the WHWC scholarship committee for their efforts in selecting these young musicians on their way to bringing music into the future!