Arizona Musicfest Reveals 2016 Scholarship Recipient

Arizona Musicfest has announced the recipient of its 2016-2017 Scholarship Award: Clarinetist Thomas Desrosiers, a senior at Tempe's Corona del Sol High School. Mr. Desrosiers was the unanimous choice of the 2016 Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Selection Committee, which is comprised of distinguished teachers, professional musicians and arts administrators from throughout the Valley.

The Arizona Musicfest Scholarship Award provides young musicians annual financial support which is renewed throughout their undergraduate studies. Mr. Desrosiers will apply these funds towards his pursuit of degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. He will begin his studies in the Fall of 2016.

"When I picked up the clarinet for the first time, the idea of pursuing music as a career never crossed my mind. Over the years of playing and being exposed to more and more music, I have begun to realize the sheer impact that music has had on my life, and how far it has taken me both artistically and academically. I realize now that my main goal in life is to allow music to thrive in me and those around me. I must be equipped to inspire others and convey the power that music can have on our lives. Thanks to generous offerings from the Arizona Musicfest, I will be able to educate myself to a much higher degree. The Arizona Musicfest Scholarship will allow me to share my music with others, and I am overjoyed to be this year's scholarship recipient." - Thomas Desrosiers

"Each year, we are overwhelmed by the caliber of young talent in our community. This year our panel was greatly impressed by Thomas, a young man who truly exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded musician, possessing talent, a love of music and the understanding of the impact music has on all our lives. We are honored to present him with this year's award and look forward to seeing him excel in his future endeavors." - Allan Naplan, Executive Director, Arizona Musicfest

Thomas Desrosiers began his clarinet studies in 8th grade and by freshmen year, he was accepted into the Arizona All State Band. He has since placed in All-State ensembles for each of his high school years, receiving high marks each year.

During his freshman year, Thomas earned a spot in the Phoenix Youth Symphony's Symphonette. By his sophomore year, Thomas was accepted into the Youth Orchestra, the most advanced section of the PYS, where he currently serves as co-principal clainet. In addition, over the last few years, Thomas has been an active performer with the Youth Symphony of the Southwest as well as with the King of Glory clarinet choir.

A decorated Eagle Scout, his Eagle project consisted of leading a musical instrument drive to collect, repair and distribute band and orchestra instruments to low income students in the Glendale Elementary School District. He continues this charitable effort through his work with Harmony Project PHX, where he also serves as a clarinet instructor.

In the summer of 2014, Thomas participated in a two-week clarinet performance workshop followed by a four-week wind ensemble program at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Last summer, Thomas had the privilege of being selected for a two-week orchestra and wind ensemble program at the Lamont Summer Music Academy at Denver University.

Arizona Musicfest is also pleased to announce the renewal of three Scholarship Recipients for the 2016-17 school year: Ryanne McLaren (2015-2016 Recipient), Anna Han (2014-2015 Recipient) and Dana Brink (2013-2014 Recipient). These individuals are successfully pursuing their higher education studies in music and will continue to receive their annual scholarship awards until graduation.

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