Tennessee State University Student Awarded John W. Work III Memorial Foundation Scholarship for Accomplishments in Music

Brandon Boyd, senior music education major from Ocala, Fla., has been actively involved in music since he was eight years old. Boyd’s commitment paid off when he was announced as the 2009-2010 recipient of the John W. Work III Scholarship. The scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is awarded to African-American juniors, seniors or graduate students pursuing a degree in music at an accredited university.

“The Community Foundation has been able to help thousands of people attend schools they might have been unable to afford by connecting them with the generosity of others. This year, we look forward to helping hundreds more improve their futures and the futures of their families,” said Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

The John W. Work III Scholarship was established in honor of John W. Work, III, an inspiring teacher at Fisk University and an internationally known composer. Boyd was awarded $800 to use this academic year.

“I feel blessed and honored to have received the John W. Work III Scholarship this year,” said Boyd. “I give much honor to Dr. Roland Carter, the father that I gained the last few years, who has a desire to keep the music of African-American composers such as John W. Work, III, alive. As I look back and see from where I’ve come, I feel as if I can truly say that God is the only person that deserves the ultimate credit.”

In the future, Boyd plans to apply to Yale University, Westminster Choir College or Emory University in pursuit of a dual master’s degree in choral conducting and sacred music. His ultimate goals is to become a collegiate choral conductor that will continue to keep the music and legacy of many African American composers alive.

Dr. Darryl Nettles, associate professor in the Department of Music at TSU, spoke highly of Boyd and his accomplishments. “Brandon is without a doubt one of the finest students with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has a great yearning to learn as much as possible. Piano, voice, conducting, accompanying, organ, you name it, he wants to learn it. He is the essence of what makes a proud professor; I know I am proud of him.”

Applicants from the University interested in applying for the scholarship in the future can find additional information at www.cfmt.org.