The Foothills Music Club announced its 2011 scholarship winners following auditions held March 4 and 5.

The first place winner is Troy Brooks, playing the alto saxophone.

Brooks is a resident of Tryon and a student at Polk County High School (PCHS), where he plays in the marching and concert bands. Brooks also has played in the Hendersonville community band and the all-district band for four years and has attended the Cannon music camp for four summers. He was previously a first place winner in 2010.

Two students tied for second place awards: Elizabeth Shanahan and Todd Elliott.

Shanahan played flute and sang as part of her audition; she is a resident of Columbus and a student at PCHS, where she has participated in the concert and marching bands as well as the all-district band and the Limestone College honors band.

Elliott is known in the area for his fiddle playing. He lives in Union Mills, N.C., and attends Painter Gap Academy. Elliott has performed at numerous venues in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and California.

Third place was awarded to Aya Matsui of Campobello. She is an accomplished pianist studying with Fabio Parrini and is home-schooled. Matsui has performed in numerous recitals and competitions. All four of the winners are seniors and plan to attend college next year.

Honorable mention recognition was awarded to four auditioners: Samantha Bell of Saluda on clarinet; Kathleen Nicholson of Forest City, N.C., for bassoon; Luke Sappenfield of Bostic, N.C., playing the baritone; and Liana Stadelmann of Landrum performing on violin.

For the purpose of encouraging young musicians to continue their studies, funds are made available annually by the Foothills Music Club for qualifying students. Applications are accepted from students who have studied a minimum of three years and are of high school age. A panel of judges evaluates each student, particularly noting the performer’s musical interpretation and technical proficiency. The financial award can be applied to the cost of lessons, purchase of music, or repair/purchase of instruments. In 2011, a total of $1,700 is being awarded.

The Foothills Music Club is an affiliate of the Tryon Fine Arts Center and has a membership of persons dedicated to sustaining and enriching their own musical talents, whether vocal or instrumental, through solo and/or ensemble performances. Support for student musical talent has been on-going since the beginning of the FMC in 1988. To date, a total of over $32,000 has been awarded to young musicians in the area.

Meetings of the FMC are held October through May in the homes of members, with two public performances each year. Membership information is available by contacting Karen Molnar at 828-894-6572.