Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship

When I started middle school, I was captivated by the high school bands and their thrilling performances at events like Battle of the Bands. The music, the energy, and the school spirit really drew me in, and I thought, "I want to do that!" In my first year, I picked up the trombone, even though I didn't know how to buzz into a mouthpiece. Thankfully, I received guidance from Isaiah T. Simpson, the section leader of the South Carolina State University Marching 101 tuba section. He inspired me to focus on my future and to strive to make a name for myself, especially as a young Black man. Fast forward five years, I transitioned to playing the tuba, and that's when everything took off. I began to put my name out there for directors across the SWAC, MEAC, and SIAC conferences. Jackson State University has become a huge motivation for me; it’s one of my top three schools, and I’m determined to be there next year. I plan to make a difference in my music career by becoming a high school band director and eventually a college band director. I love motivating others, being a role model, teaching music, and, most importantly, playing music. With the drive, hard work, determination, and dedication I possess, I truly believe anything is possible. I want to inspire others just as my current band director, Mr. Isaiah T. Simpson, inspired me. My goal is to create an environment where students feel encouraged to pursue their passion for music and strive for their goals. By sharing my love for music and supporting my students, I hope to make a lasting impact on their lives. Receiving the Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship would be a transformative step in my journey toward college. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens of tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and music without the constant worry of student debt. It would provide me with the opportunity to participate in various music programs, masterclasses, and workshops that can further enhance my skills. Moreover, it would enable me to network with other musicians and educators who share my passion, opening doors to mentorship and collaboration. Ultimately, this scholarship would not only support my education but also empower me to become a positive influence in my community. By pursuing my dream of becoming a band director, I aspire to pass on the inspiration that I received from Mr. Simpson and others to future generations. With the help of the Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship, I would be one step closer to making my dream a reality and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

I’ve always had a love and passion for music since the age of two. I was always drawn to different genres of music and instruments. As a toddler, I would beat on different objects as if I was playing the drums. I also enjoyed singing songs and listening to tons of music with my family. Music has been and still is a major part of my life. In middle school, I started playing the trumpet and developed a passion for playing in the band. I later continued my musical career at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. Playing the trumpet opened my eyes to producing my music, and opened the door to several other opportunities throughout my career. For example, taking my passion and education seriously has resulted in the biggest accomplishment of my life thus far: being at my dream school, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as FAMU. I am majoring in Music Education and also a proud member of the Florida A&M Marching 100. Being shown black excellence by the students, professors, and marching band at my university allowed me to see how I wanted to give back and empower others to receive the same experience I’m receiving. I will be able to pay it forward to other black students in my community who want to follow in my footsteps by earning my degree. I will be able to travel to any school and serve, educate, and give back the same memorable experience my band directors provided me. My goal is to provide black students with endless opportunities to help push them in their musical endeavors. As you can see, giving back to the arts is one of my top priorities, especially since I attend a school of the arts. I want to be like the individuals that assisted my rural community through our fine arts programs. My purpose is and will be to help my community flourish by assisting the black youth in the area of fine arts. What I most desire for my future is to have a greater connection with God, to be physically and mentally strong, and to have a successful music career at Florida A&M University. As I continue on my life's path, God has taught and blessed me in countless ways. As I develop as a Christian, I want to continue to embrace his words and form an even greater and deeper relationship with him. While doing so, I want to flourish academically and musically at my HBCU, Florida A&M University. Music is my greatest love, and I hope to continue studying it in order to become a world-renowned producer or a music teacher who can assist kids in improving their musical skills.