The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra honors the memory of Michael H. Goldwasser in appreciation of the more than forty years of devoted service to our musical community. He was the founder and President of the Orchestra, a member of the violin section, an ardent teacher and an avid talent scout. This $500 Scholarship will assist a deserving high school graduate to continue music study at an accredited institution.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must be a Monmouth County resident qualifying for June graduation from any public or private high school in Monmouth County. The applicant intends to continue the study of music in one or more of the following areas:
- Music Education
- Music Performance
- Music Technology
- Music Therapy
- Music Theory and Composition
- Music Business/Management
- Music History
2023 Winners
The Goldwasser Scholarship is normally given to only one outstanding student per year, but this year, there were two equally strong candidates and it was decided to give two awards instead of one.
Justin Morgan, Freehold Twp. HS
Justin has been a saxophonist in the FTHS band from freshman through senior year. Active in all of the music department activities, Justin's high level of achievement earned him the position of Drum Major in his junior year. Representing FTHS, Justin has been a member of the Alto Sax section for the All Shore Symphonic Band (Principal Chair), All Shore Jazz Band (Principal Chair), Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey Sax Ensemble and Sax Quartet, and the Central Jersey Music Educator's Region II Symphonic Band. He also was in the Tenor Sax section for All Shore Jazz Band as a junior. His placement in the Region Band earned him the right to audition for the NJ All-State Band, in which he was accepted in his junior and senior years. Justin had the distinction of being the first student from FTHS to be accepted to the All-State Band on two instruments in one year (Tenor & Soprano Saxophones). His success in the All-State Band qualified him to participate in the All-Eastern Band as well as the All-National Band - quite the achievement, considering the amount of saxophonists who audition for the few available seats in those groups. He comes highly recommended by his teachers, not only for his musical and leadership abilities, but also for his ethics and willingness to learn. He lends his musical talents to the local Presbyterian Church as a volunteer leader of the Youth Ensemble. Justin will be attending Gettysburg College as a Saxophone Performance major and will be also studying mechanical engineering.
Myles Fort, Ocean Twp. HS
Myles is a percussionist who has participated in multiple school musical ensembles from freshman through senior year. These include Marching, Concert, Jazz, Pep Bands, and Pit Orchestra for the school musical. The percussion section of the Marching Band benefitted from Myles' leadership abilities when he earned the role of Drum Captain. More leadership experience was gained when he was the Assistant Music Director for the Pit Orchestra for the school musicals, Grease and Rock of Ages. For all four years of high school, Myles successfully auditioned as a percussionist in the All Shore Jazz Band. Myles also has a strong interest in Audio Engineering, which he studied while at OTHS. A student in many Advanced Placement Courses, Myles is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, Myles has performed with various bands in the area, appearing in venues such as The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, Convention Hall and at the PNC Bank Arts Center as an opening act. He also performed with the John Luckenbill Jersey Shore Brass Band, an ensemble of professional musicians. When not on the bandstand, Myles works with his bands in his home recording studio, perfecting the craft he will be studying in college. He will be attending Drexel University as a Music Industry - Recording Arts & Music Production Major and he plans to continue to perform as well as work as an audio engineer/music producer upon graduation.
