First Annual AwardEast Cobb New Horizons Band, a nonprofit organization of adult musicians age 50 and older, awarded its first music scholarship to Fallon Prigmore, a sophomore at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Ms. Prigmore plays the oboe in the school’s concert band. She will apply the $1,000 scholarship toward the cost of attending the Oxford Oboe Camp at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia this summer. PROGRAM LAUNCH

The New Horizons Band launched its annual Memorial Scholarship Program in December of last year to assist a rising high school band student with the cost of attending a recognized summer music camp in 2011. This year’s scholarship was awarded in honor and memory of French Hornist Charlie Hobbs, and Trumpeter Jim Milton.

AUDITION

The scholarship recipient was selected by audition, where she performed Carl A. Nielson’s ‘Humoresque’ for oboe with piano accompaniment. The audition was observed and evaluated by the music directors on the band’s Scholarship Committee who rated her performance as outstanding.FALLON PRIGMORE

Fallon’s interest in music began while attending Lost Mountain Middle School in Kennesaw, Georgia. The school’s band director offered interested students an opportunity to try various musical instruments. At her mother’s urging, who is also a musician, Fallon tried the oboe and immediately chose it as the best instrument for her and joined the band. Fallon went on to earn the “Most Improved Woodwind” award during her last year in middle school, and was the band’s number one oboist.

Fallon Prigmore became a member of the Harrison High School Marching Band, where she learned to play the saxophone. Her band directors and her private oboe instructor, who is also a director, are Fallon’s source of inspiration. The challenges they provide her and the other students to play their very best, have made a positive impact on her love for music, according to Fallon. She was a member of Harrison’s band when it first won the marching band competition at Western Carolina University, and when the band traveled to New York City to march in the Macy’s Day Parade. Both events took place in 2009.Someday, Fallon would like to compose music in the tradition of John Williams, her favorite composer. “His music never gets old” she said. “ I would love to one day be able to talk to him and ask where he gets his inspiration.”

In addition to composing music, Fallon will explore becoming a band director as well as playing oboe for the orchestra in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway. She is also a member of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. In addition to music, Fallon enjoys playing tennis, golfing with her dad, creative writing and Spanish Club.

EAST COBB NEW HORIZONS BAND2011 SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Fallon commented, “I like that the East Cobb New Horizons Band's scholarship has given me a chance to get better at oboe and help me with my goals. I think it is a great opportunity to have out there for aspiring musicians.”

The members of the band are extremely pleased with the Scholarship Committee’s choice. “Fallon Prigmore has set a high standard for future scholarship recipients” commented Manny Espinosa, 2011 Scholarship Committee member. “We wish her great success in life, and in her musical endeavors.” Planning for the 2012 Scholarship Program will commence this summer.

To learn more about East Cobb New Horizons Band, its Scholarship Program, and to read the unedited interview with Fallon Prigmore, visit www.ecnhb.com. The band is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization and a member of New Horizons International Music Association. Rehearsals take place in Marietta, Georgia on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 68 North Marietta Parkway. New members and donations are always welcome.

Front Row: Fallon Prigmore and her mother, Bonita Prigmore. Back Row: Scholarship Committee members John Mote, George Broom, Boyd McKeown, Frank McLeod, and Jim Moody.

Fallon Prigmore rehearsing with East Cobb New Horizons Band.

ⓒ 2011 East Cobb New Horizons Band. All rights reserved.