Updated: 30 October 2007

Congratulations to Cliff Hosford (right).  He is a winner of one of the 2007 Black Rose Acoustic Society (BRAS) scholarships.  Cliff began guitar lessons last year with Charlie Hall and will continue the lessons using his BRAS scholarship.  Charlie says, “Cliff loves playing and I don’t think I have ever seen anyone have more fun with it.”  Cliff has had his guitar for many years but did not start lessons for quite a while.  “It is more difficult for me because I can’t see so we have to learn by sound and by feel.”  Cliff wants to learn more instruments later but right now he is having a great time singin’ and strumming.’. 

Debra McGee plans to take mandolin lessons with her award.  She aspires to join the Mandocentrics orchestra.  Kathryn Meinzer will take mandolin lessons also with her scholarship.  She has many instruments in her household.  The mandolin has been neglected so she wants to give it a chance to make music. 

Ann Coy bought a violin for fifty dollars in Germany many years ago.  It spent many years in the closet.  She took it out on a dare from a friend and began group lessons.  Since then she has started private fiddle lessons and will continue with Jody Adams. 

Elena Haverluk (below) is the 2007 youth scholarship winner.  She is ten years old and loves to sing.  She wants to learn to sing her favorite songs.  “I went to Black Rose and heard Mitch Barrett.  My favorite songs now are “Sacred Garden” and “Drop in the Bucket” written by Mitch Barrett.”  Elena would like to sing in the talent show at her school.  Her Mother plans to take singing class with her.

Thanks to all of the folks who applied for a scholarship this year.  We wish we could award one to everyone.  All of you are very deserving.  Three cheers to all of the winners and to all who applied.  Have  a great year making music.

Phyllis Stark