My goal at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, is to turn my passion into my profession, and a lifelong pursuit to build community through shared experience. I just completed my first year of college. As a baritone saxophonist studying music management on the jazz track, I was challenged to refine not only my technique, but my voice. I continue to learn that jazz is less about notes on a page and more about intention, communication, and connection. I was proud to receive the Pi Kappa Lambda Certificate of Honor at the end of my freshman year, and I am working toward full membership when I become eligible as a junior. My involvement in the First-Year Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar has broadened my perspective, reinforcing that music does not exist in isolation. Music reflects culture, history, and the human experience. One experience this year helped bring all of these ideas together. During a visit to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I watched actors command an audience using timing, phrasing, and silence. In one moment, a pause on stage held the entire audience’s attention. I see parallels in jazz, where space, feel and interactions can be just as powerful as sound. That experience changed how I think about performing. I am not just playing notes; I am telling a story and connecting with my audience in real time. My high school music journey shaped both my skills and my sense of purpose. Jazz band introduced me to improvisation, where I learned to take creative risks, listen deeply, and respond to the moment. That freedom of expression lit a spark in me that continues to drive my musical journey. Playing complex repertoire alongside passionate peers, and under the guidance of our director, Mr. Cloyd, taught me the value of discipline, nuance, and leadership. Mr. Cloyd’s high expectations pushed me to grow as both a musician and a role model. I was honored to receive the Instrumentalist Musicianship Award three times under his direction. As a marching band section leader, I developed communication and team-building skills. The pride and unity I felt during performances showed me how music connects people, on and off the field. I’ve also worked to strengthen the music community at my school. As a counselor for our music camp and a volunteer tutor, I mentored younger students and watched their confidence grow. I arranged music for school musicals, accompanied choir students, and fundraised to support our program. Outside of high school, I performed with the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars, where I’ve collaborated with Grammy winning artists and top students from across the region. In high school I was part of organizations that helped foster a sense of community, including Better Together, a program that connects middle and high school students with senior citizens, including those in assisted living. I saw how music acts as a bridge of human connections and experiences. Even with language barriers, people can hum old hymns together. This summer, I will teach students, helping them build strong musical foundations while encouraging creativity and confidence. I will craft a plan that helps them exceed their expectations while guiding them to discover their own voice. This scholarship will help me on my jazz journey. Thank you.

Over the past year at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, my understanding of music has expanded from passion into purpose. As a baritone saxophonist studying music management on the jazz track, I was challenged to refine not only my technique, but my voice. I continue to learn that jazz is less about notes on a page and more about intention, communication, and connection. At the same time, my coursework in the music industry has shown me that long-term success as a musician also requires strong business awareness and adaptability. When I first applied for this scholarship last year, I was honored to be selected as a finalist. Since then, my experiences in a collegiate conservatory have pushed me to grow as a student, musician, and person. I was proud to receive the Pi Kappa Lambda Certificate of Honor at the end of my freshman year, and I am working toward full membership when I become eligible as a junior. Performing in ensembles with musicians of a high caliber has required great precision, adaptability, and accountability. Improvisation now feels less like taking a risk and more like engaging in a conversation that demands deep listening, trust, and awareness of the musical moment. I have continued developing on woodwind doubles while studying theory, musicianship, and business, all of which have strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully as both a soloist and collaborator. My involvement in the First-Year Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar has broadened my perspective, reinforcing that music does not exist in isolation. Music reflects culture, history, and the human experience. One experience this year helped bring all of these ideas together. During a visit to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I watched actors command an audience using timing, phrasing, and silence. In one moment, a pause on stage held the entire audience’s attention. I see parallels in jazz, where space, feel, and interactions can be just as powerful as sound. That experience changed how I think about performing. I am not just playing notes; I am telling a story and connecting with my audience in real time. Great art, whether spoken, painted, or played, is about storytelling and connection, not just technical execution. As I’ve grown, I’ve come to understand the importance of building a strong foundation in jazz, developing technical fluency across the instrument, training my ear through listening and transcriptions, and learning heads as the core language of improvisation. These are skills I wish I had focused on more in middle and high school, and now prioritize in my own development and will emphasize when teaching younger students. I will encourage more technical playing, moving up and down the horn in more difficult patterns. This summer, I will teach students, helping them build strong musical foundations while encouraging creativity and confidence. I will craft a plan that helps them exceed their expectations while guiding them to discover their own voice. My goal remains to become a professional jazz musician while also teaching, composing, and giving back to the communities that shaped me. Jazz has given me a voice, but more importantly, it has taught me how to help others find theirs. I see jazz not just as a career, but as a lifelong pursuit to build community through shared experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to reapply for this scholarship and continue my jazz journey.

I’m a collegiate musician with a unique Green Bay Packers story. In 2019, No. 17 Davante Adams stopped at my middle school lemonade stand in his Lamborghini, stepped out, chatted with my sisters and me, and gave a generous tip for the two cups he purchased (photos upon request.) Since then, the Packers hold a special place in my heart. My goal at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music is turning my passion for jazz into both a profession and a lifelong way of building community through shared experiences. This scholarship would help support that journey, allowing me to continue growing not only as a musician, but also as someone who understands the importance of the technical side of sharing music. I just completed my first year of college as a baritone saxophonist studying music management on the jazz track. I was challenged to refine both my technique and artistic voice. I also learned more about the role sound engineering plays in creating musical experiences. Subtle differences in tone, balance, microphone placement, and acoustics, can completely change the audience experience. A great engineer does more than capture sound, they help preserve emotion, interaction, and energy. I received the Pi Kappa Lambda Certificate of Honor at the end of my freshman year. My coursework has taught me that success in music requires the artistic, business, and technical sides of the industry. My involvement in the First-Year Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar broadened my perspective by reinforcing that music does not exist in isolation. During a class trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I watched actors command an audience using timing, phrasing, and silence. In one moment, a pause on stage held the audience completely still. I see similarities in jazz, where space, feel, dynamics, and interaction can be just as powerful as sound itself. Sound engineers understand this because they shape not only what the audience hears, but also what they feel. That experience reinforced how I think about performing, I am not playing notes; I am telling a story and connecting with listeners in real time. Jazz improvisation feels like participating in a conversation that demands deep listening and awareness of the musical moment. That same type of listening is essential in audio production. Whether balancing a live ensemble or capturing the depth of a saxophone section, sound engineers must listen with incredible attention and sensitivity. Musicians must understand the importance of the people behind the scenes, who help audiences fully experience the music. In high school, I participated in Better Together, a program connecting middle and high school students with senior citizens, including those in assisted living. I saw how music and shared memories bring comfort, joy, and connection across generations. Even when language barriers exist, music creates understanding and shared emotion. This summer, I will continue giving back by teaching younger students. Beyond technique, I want students to understand the importance of listening, not only to themselves, but also to all the people supporting them. Whether performing on stage or working behind a mixing console, great music begins with listening. I hope to use music not only as a career, but also as a way to bring people together and strengthen communities. Neil Margeson’s story demonstrates that the technical side of music production is just as meaningful and creative as performance itself, and I will carry that same appreciation for music and sound into my career. Thank you for your consideration.

My goal at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music is to turn my passion for jazz into both a profession and a lifelong way of building community through shared experiences. This scholarship will help support that journey, allowing me to continue growing as both a musician and educator. I just completed my first year of college. As a baritone saxophonist studying music management on the jazz track, I was challenged to refine my technique and voice. I continue to learn that jazz is less about notes on a page and more about intention, communication, and connection. At the same time, my coursework has shown me that long-term success as a musician also requires strong business awareness and adaptability. I was proud to receive the Pi Kappa Lambda Certificate of Honor at the end of my freshman year, and I am working towards full membership when I become eligible as a junior. Performing in ensembles with high caliber musicians required great precision, adaptability, and accountability. Improvisation now feels less like taking a risk and more like engaging in a conversation that demands deep listening, trust, and awareness of the musical moment. I have continued developing on woodwind doubles while studying theory, musicianship, and business, all of which have strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully as both a soloist and collaborator. My involvement in the First-Year Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar has broadened my perspective, reinforcing that music does not exist in isolation. Music reflects culture, history, and the human experience. During a class trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I watched actors command an audience using timing, phrasing, and silence. In one moment, a pause on stage held the entire audience’s attention. I see similarities in jazz, where space, feel, and interactions can be just as powerful as sound. That experience confirmed how I think about performing. I am not just playing notes; I am telling a story and connecting with my audience in real time. Great art, whether spoken, painted, or played, is about storytelling and connection. In high school I was part of organizations that helped foster communities, including Better Together, a program connecting middle and high school students with senior citizens, including those in assisted living. I saw how the spark of a memory can bring comfort, joy, and connect generations of individuals. Music is a bridge of human connections and experiences. Even when language barriers exist, music can create understanding and shared emotion, and people can hum old hymns together. Those experiences demonstrated that music creates connections when words fall short. This summer, I will continue giving back by teaching younger students. I will help them build strong musical foundations while encouraging creativity, confidence, and individuality. My goal is to help students improve technically, and help them discover their own artistic voice and sense of purpose through music. I will continue seeking opportunities to perform in restaurants and local venues. Shared meals and live music both create connection, and I hope to contribute to environments where people can slow down, listen, and share meaningful experiences together. Some of the most meaningful musical experiences happen not in concert halls, but in everyday spaces where music becomes part of people’s lives and memories. I hope to use music not only as a career, but as a way to bring people together, strengthen communities, and help others feel heard. Thank you for your consideration.

I remember my passion for music began in fourth grade when I thought playing the saxophone with friends would be fun. My parents say that my love of music began years earlier, as I enjoyed parent-toddler Music Together classes more than any other activity. The photos show they are correct. Today, I’m a committed jazz musician preparing to study at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton. I auditioned on the baritone saxophone—my primary instrument—and will continue expanding my skills on other saxophones and woodwind doubles. I am accepted into University of the Pacific’s First Years Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar, which is an interdisciplinary program fostering the pursuit of “arts, literature, media, modern languages, music, history, culture, and philosophy.” I am excited to continue learning how music incorporates and improves other aspects of society. I see music not just as a career, but as a lifelong commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities. My goal is to be a professional musician, and I also aim to teach, compose, and contribute to my community through mentorship. One of the more meaningful experiences I have had is volunteering with Better Together, a program that connects high school students and senior citizens, some of whom are in assisted living facilities. I saw firsthand how the spark of a memory can bring comfort, and joy and connect generations of individuals. Whether exchanging family histories, chatting about music, or simply sharing time, I learned about connecting with others and how music’s power goes far beyond performance, but is a bridge of human connections and experiences. High school gave me that sense of purpose. Jazz band introduced me to improvisation and self-expression, where creativity and quick thinking thrived. I challenged myself to take solos and listen more deeply to my bandmates, and to the moment. This helped shape both my voice as a player and my instincts as a collaborator. Wind ensemble and AP Music Theory expanded my foundation. Our director, Mr. Cloyd, set a high bar that pushed me toward technical precision. I was honored to receive The Instrumentalist Musicianship Award three times. As a section leader in the marching band, I developed leadership and communication skills. The energy of game nights and competitions created a sense of unity and pride, demonstrating that music was a powerful force for connection. My team pride and spirit were evident, and I was passed down the legacy role as the “spirit leader” my senior year, being trusted with the school’s Spirit Spoon. I’ve sought opportunities to make music meaningful for others. I mentored younger students as a music camp counselor and volunteer tutor. I arranged music for school musicals, accompanied choir students, and raised funds to support our program. I recruited classmates to join ensembles, broadening our music community. I perform as a member of the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars, collaborating with talented students and Grammy-winning professionals. These experiences constantly challenge me to grow as an artist and expand my understanding of the power of music. Music helped me discover my voice. Now, I want to help others find theirs, whether through performance, teaching, or simply encouraging. In college, I look forward to deepening my craft while actively contributing to my community through music outreach, education, and service. Thank you for considering me for the Alice M. Williams Legacy Scholarship. Your support will help me continue using music as a force for connection, creativity, and community, one note and one shared rhythm at a time.

My passion for music began in fourth grade, when I thought playing saxophone with friends would be fun. But my parents say it started even earlier—during parent-toddler Music Together classes. Judging by the photos of me drumming and singing with pure joy, they were right. Today, I’m a dedicated jazz musician preparing to study music at the University of the Pacific Conservatory in Stockton. I auditioned on my primary instrument, the baritone saxophone, and will continue developing my skills on other saxophones and woodwind doubles. I am accepted into the First-Year Honors Program and the Pacific Humanities Scholars Program, an interdisciplinary community that explores how art, literature, music, and culture shape the human experience. I’m especially excited to study how music can support and improve communities. My long-term goal is to become a professional performing musician, but more than that, I aim to give back. I believe music is a tool for building stronger, more inclusive communities. I want to use my platform to teach, mentor, and uplift others, especially young musicians. My high school music program shaped both my skills and my sense of purpose. Jazz band introduced me to improvisation, where I learned to take creative risks, listen deeply, and respond to the moment. I challenged myself to improve, frequently taking solos and encouraging my peers to do the same. That freedom of expression lit a spark in me that continues to drive my musical journey. Wind ensemble and AP Music Theory deepened my technical foundation. Playing complex repertoire alongside passionate peers, and under the guidance of our director, Mr. Cloyd, taught me the value of discipline, nuance, and leadership. Mr. Cloyd’s high expectations pushed me to grow as both a musician and a role model. I was honored to receive the Instrumentalist Musicianship Award three times under his direction. As a marching band section leader, I developed communication and team-building skills. The pride and unity I felt during performances showed me how music connects people, on and off the field. My leadership was recognized my senior year when I was passed down the role of “spirit leader,” entrusted with the school’s “Spirit Spoon.” I’ve also worked to strengthen the music community at my school. As a counselor for our music camp and a volunteer tutor, I mentored younger students and watched their confidence grow. I arranged music for school musicals, accompanied choir students, and fundraised to support our program. I also recruited classmates to join bands, expanding our ensembles and sharing the joy of music with new performers. Outside of school, I perform with the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars, where I’ve collaborated with Grammy winning artists and top students from across the region. These experiences continually challenge me and show me what’s possible when talented, passionate musicians come together. Jazz helped me discover my own voice, and now, I want to help others find theirs. At the University of the Pacific, I will continue seeking opportunities to grow, perform, and give back. Whether I’m leading a band, composing for a community ensemble, or mentoring a young musician, I see every note as a chance to make a difference. Thank you for considering me for the Marshall and Dorothy Smith Music Scholarship. Your support will help me turn my passion into education and a force for connection, creativity, and community.

Jazz is more than music to me. It is a way to express, connect, and grow. I am a jazz musician who will study music at the University of the Pacific Conservatory in Stockton. I auditioned on my primary instrument, the baritone sax, and plan to develop my skills on my other saxophones and woodwind doubles. My goal is to be a professional performing musician, and I also aim to teach, compose, and contribute to my community through music and mentorship. I am accepted into University of the Pacific’s First Years Honors Program and as a Pacific Humanities Scholar, which is an interdisciplinary program fostering the pursuit of “arts, literature, media, modern languages, music, history, culture, and philosophy.” I am excited to continue learning how music incorporates and improves other aspects of society. I remember my passion for music began in fourth grade when I thought playing the saxophone with friends would be fun. My parents say that my love of music began years earlier, as I enjoyed parent-toddler Music Together classes more than any other activity. The photos show they are correct. My high school music program shaped my skills and my sense of purpose. Jazz band introduced me to a new musical freedom. Improvisation demanded creativity and quick thinking, and I learned to trust my instincts and take risks. I strived to improve and always requested solos. Performing jazz taught me to listen more deeply to my bandmates, to the groove, and to the moment. That experience ignited a love for musical exploration and self-expression that continues to drive me today. Taking AP Music Theory expanded my understanding of music. Wind ensemble sharpened my technical skills and musical discipline. Playing challenging repertoire among gifted peers taught me how to embrace nuance and precision, especially outside my jazz comfort zone. Our director, Mr. Cloyd, pushed us to meet high expectations, and his influence helped me grow as both a performer and leader. My music dedication has earned me honors, including jazz competition awards, and The Instrumentalist Musicianship Award three times by Mr. Cloyd. As a section leader in the marching band, I developed leadership and communication skills. The energy of game nights and competitions created a sense of unity and pride, demonstrating that music was a powerful force for connection and expression. My team pride and spirit were evident, and I was passed down the school saxophone section legacy role as the “spirit leader” my senior year, being trusted with the school’s Spirit Spoon. As a counselor at my high school’s music camp and volunteer tutor, I mentored younger students. Watching the students grow more confident and expressive affirmed my belief in music’s power to inspire, and to have fun. I played pit and arranged music for the school musicals and accompanied choir students during their performances. I fundraised for the school’s music program and recruited friends into various bands. I am involved in music outside of school, including as a member of the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars, where I perform with talented students and seasoned professionals including Grammy winners. Jazz helped me find my unique voice as a musician, something I now will refine in a collegiate setting. I will continue challenging myself, taking an active role in many ensembles. Ultimately, I see jazz not just as a career, but as a lifelong calling to build stronger, more inclusive communities, one note, one person, and one shared rhythm at a time. Thank you for considering me for the Hot Jazz Jubilee Music Scholarship.