The Foothills Music Club has announced its 2012 scholarship winners following auditions held March 2-3.

The first-place winner and recipient of the Lesley Oakes Scholarship is Paulina Ray-Zorick, playing the piano and violin.

Ray-Zorick is a resident of Columbus and is a home-schooled 11th grader. She has studied music for 10 years and is currently a student of Judy Loveland of Hendersonville, N.C. in piano, violin and voice.

Ray-Zorick is a participant in both the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Western Regional Orchestra.

Second-place winner and recipient of the Betty Van Buskirk Scholarship is Tyler Graeper of Rutherfordton, N.C., a senior at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA). Graeper is a baritone studying voice with Crystal

McDaniel of Boiling Springs.

He has appeared in musicals and qualified for the All State Youth Choir, as well as participating in National

Association of Teachers of Singing competitions.

Third place was awarded to Rachel Richards of Shelby, N.C., playing the cello.

She is also a student at TJCA and studies cello with Kathleen Foster of Rutherfordton, N.C., a member of the Foothills Music Club. Richards plays with the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Honorable mention recognition was awarded to four auditioners: Katherine Barker of Tryon on alto saxophone; Katelyn Duncan of Columbus on flute; Michael McGinnis of Campobello on snare drum and Spencer Taunton of Mill Spring on snare drum and mallets.

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 2012, a total of $1,700 was awarded.

The Foothills Music Club has supported student musical talent since the group’s beginning in 1988. To date,

more than $36,000 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.

– article submitted by Elaine Jenkins