Richard W. Vandament Music Scholarship

At this point in my life, my primary intention in pursuing a music degree is to build a career that reflects how deeply music has shaped who I am. Music has been a constant presence throughout my life, influencing my discipline, confidence, and sense of purpose. Through years of playing, practicing, and performing, I have come to realize that music is not simply an interest or hobby for me—it is what I want to dedicate my life to professionally. My goal is to use my musical education as a pathway into the United States Navy Band. Military service appeals to me because it combines structure, leadership, and artistic excellence. By joining a Navy Band, I hope to serve my country while continuing to grow as a musician at the highest level. Within the Navy Band, I aim to contribute as a performer and eventually pursue leadership roles, such as becoming a director. I am drawn to the responsibility of leading ensembles, mentoring fellow musicians, and maintaining a professional standard of musical excellence. After approximately twenty years of service, I plan to retire from the Navy and transition into a second career as a band director. Throughout my musical journey, I have experienced firsthand how powerful a great music teacher or director can be. Music has taught me perseverance, teamwork, time management, and self-expression, and I want to pass those lessons on to future students. As a band director, my goal is to fill students’ minds with the musical knowledge, discipline, and passion I have gathered throughout my career, helping them grow both as musicians and as individuals. To prepare for this path, I plan to attend Arizona State University and major in Music Teaching and Learning (MTL), also known as Music Education. ASU’s program offers the pedagogical training, musicianship development, and leadership skills necessary for both military and educational careers in music. I recently auditioned to become a music major at ASU and am currently awaiting my acceptance decision. Through every challenge and success, music has consistently guided my choices, goals, identity, and future. Music has given me direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging, and it has helped me discover what I want to do with my life. My long-term goal is to devote myself fully to music—first through service and leadership in the Navy Band, and later by inspiring and educating the next generation as a band director.

Walking onto stage, for me, has always been one of the best feelings in the world. I am a trumpet player from Northeast Ohio, and the feeling of walking into a performance, either as a part of a larger group or as a soloist with nothing but a pianist behind me, has always been my catnip. I have participated in adjudicated performances both as a soloist and part of large and small ensembles, I've performed with my school's marching band, top concert ensemble, and our top jazz band, and I love every minute of what I do. My passion has become performing, writing music, and teaching. I plan to go to college in order to pursue either dual degrees or a Major/Minor in Music Education and Music Composition. After college, I plan on either becoming a band director for an Ohio high school or auditioning as a trumpet player with the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the best symphonies in the world. I believe that music is one of the ways I can best accomplish what my Lord has called me to do, to teach and spread His good news. I play every Christmas with the choir and organist at St. Paul's Catholic Church, and I absolutely love doing it. I believe that the Lord has given me these talents because I can best serve Him through playing. My relationships, as well have been affected by music. Almost all of my friends have been musicians, and all of my relationships have been with girls who either are or were in the Instrumental Music program at my high school. My closest friends and I have bonded over our shared love of Drum Corps International (DCI), specifically the Bluecoats, Phantom Regiment, and the Boston Crusaders. While other people go to see the newest hit Blockbuster movie, a musical at Playhouse Square, or go to watch someone like Doja Cat or Lizzo, I choose to spend my evenings at stadiums such as Infocision stadium at the University of Akron and Tom Benson Memorial Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, watching the top corps compete for spots at Grand Finals in Indianapolis. It's my bread and butter, and I have been aiming to create a space for myself as a staff member with these corps, as well as high school marching bands, after High School. I have made connections, forged relationships, and gotten to know people who can help me get into this field, and it's really exciting. I am passionate about music because it allows me to express who I am and what I believe in an incredibly complete way. I can subtly change the way that the music is written on the page to express my desires and ideas. I find it so incredibly fun to make my mark on music and express my passion through my performance. My family has always supported me, and I find that my gift to them is to be the best musician I can possibly be, to honor their support and love.