EXETER — The Rockingham Choral Society has selected recent Exeter High School grad Ann Gorman as the first recipient of the Dr. Henry Wing Memorial Music Scholarship .
The $1,000 scholarship is named in honor of former music director Dr. Henry Wing, who served as the artistic director and conductor of the organization for 30 years. Among his many achievements, he instituted a policy of choosing the vocal soloists from the membership and hiring the best orchestral players from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, including faculty and students from the UNH Music Department.
Gorman, of Stratham, has participated in music in a variety of ways throughout her youth. For the past seven years, she has been a member of the school choir, including Exeter High School’s audition-based vocal ensemble for the last three years. The vocal ensemble performed an original song composed and arranged by Gorman during the June 8 Exeter High School graduation ceremony.
Gorman is also a member of the Tri-M Honors Music Society and a vocalist in the Tri-M Jazz Band. In addition to her chorus membership, Gorman has been actively involved in musical theater, particularly through the Pine Street Players, where she is a member of the vocal ensemble and serves on their student working advisory group.
“My participation in music programs has completely changed my life,” said Gorman. “Being a participant in the community of musicians in my area has impacted me more than the music itself ever could. I love singing in choirs so much because when the voices all come together, it creates a cohesive sound that can only be caused by people uniting through music, instead of attempting to outshine others. This is something that fuels my desire to attend school for music.”
Each year, Gorman sings the American and Korean National Anthems for the Korean Society of New Hampshire’s Korean War memorial ceremony. This past October, she performed the anthems for the Korean Consulate of Boston at Boston University, celebrating Armistice Day.
Gorman has also received accolades for her songwriting, which will be her focus in college. Her original song, “Master of Disguise,” a collaboration with the Racial Unity Team that advocated for mental health, was recognized in a variety of ways, including being featured on a Creative Mornings event showcasing students using art to speak about social issues.
Gorman plans to attend the State University of New York at Purchase in the fall to pursue Studio Composition.
“The selection committee was impressed by Ann’s range of experience both as a vocalist and a composer. Her passion for music and her desire to engage others through music is an inspiration,” said Charlie Smith, RCS president. “The society is proud to be able to support Ann’s ambitions to pursue music in her post-secondary education.”
Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. The Choral Society is comprised of over 100 members and presents two concerts annually to audiences in the New Hampshire Seacoast region.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter High School's Ann Gorman awarded scholarship by Rockingham Choral Society
Most Popular
Comments / 0