Sixth Former Caroline Mason '08 has been named a Kenan Music Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kenan Music Scholars receive a full, four-year scholarship in addition to support for summer research and similar activities. They are also provided with a special program that combines work on the concert platform and in the classroom with UNC Music Department faculty and visiting artists.
Scholars are selected on the basis of an established record of excellence in the practice of music (performance, composition, etc.), significant academic strengths, and a strong commitment to majoring in Music at UNC-CH.
Caroline had to audition twice at Chapel Hill as part of the selection process, first in February and then again in early March. Her final audition was against seven others, both vocalists and musicians. Four students were ultimately selected as this year's Kenan Scholars. For her auditions, Caroline performed Monica's Waltz from The Medium (by Menotti), Mozart's Hallelujah from Exsultate Jubilate, and Quando M'en Vo from Puccini's La Boehme.
"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Caroline, "especially since I was competing with a number of young, competent and passionate musicians from all over the United States. The scholarship is an incredible thing, but the potential connections in the professional performance 'realm' may be of greater value."
While at Portsmouth Abbey, Caroline has distinguished herself through her vocal and acting abilities in such productions as Macbeth, You Can't Take It with You, The American Clock, The Music Man, West Side Story and Into the Woods. Portsmouth's Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Jay Bragan, said: "Caroline captivates the audience with her extraordinary voice and authentic acting abilities. She fully commits to her characters and raises the bar for her peers in every production, yet she is humble, hard-working and a pleasure to be with.
"Caroline will flourish at the college level," added Mr. Bragan. "She is one of the top students I've ever had the pleasure to work with."
