by
Rhythm Scene Staff
| Feb 27, 2023
BILL PLATT SCHOLARSHIP
Former United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” (TUSAB) percussionist Bill Platt (1996–99) passed away on September 5, 2022. He graduated from the Eastman School of Music and was one of the original members of “Vince’s Boys,” a group of four former TUSAB percussionists — Dick Ecton, Glenn Luedtke, Bill Platt and Gar Whaley — who served with legendary percussion group leader SGM Vince Battista. Following his Army service, Bill returned to his native Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the Cincinnati Symphony, enjoying a 40-year career as principal percussionist.
“Vince’s Boys,” which has grown to include 12 former TUSAB percussionists — Ken Harbison, Bill Hinger, Joe Inman, Tom Kosik, Glenn Luedtke, Bill Messerschmidt, Mary Ecton (for her father), Bill Richards, Gary Rockwell, Gary Swiderski and Gar Whaley — has established a scholarship fund with the Percussive Arts Society in Bill’s name. “Vince’s Boys” member Gar Whaley, a former President of PAS, helped arrange the scholarship. The initial endowment of over $3,000 ensures that a scholarship will be awarded each year to a talented student member of PAS from Bill’s state of Ohio. Contributions can be made to the Bill Platt Scholarship and sent to: Percussive Arts Society, 110 W. Washington St. Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
PEARL CORPORATION
Musicians Making A Difference Scholarship Now Accepting Applications
Pearl Corporation announced the opening of its third annual college scholarship, “Musicians Making A Difference,” which will award two $5,000 scholarships totaling $10,000 to high school musicians who have demonstrated the ability to impact change in themselves, their community, and those around them.
"I am beyond grateful to have been selected a recipient of the 2022 Musicians Making a Difference Scholarship,” said Amy Hwang, 2022 Scholarship recipient. “The scholarship has been invaluable in paying for my college and conservatory education and has allowed me to focus on becoming a better musician and person. Thank you so much to Pearl Drums for supporting musicians who are passionate about giving back to their community!"
A diverse panel of Pearl staff and artists will select recipients based on a student's contributions to their community and not their playing or vocal ability. The scholarship's objective is to reward and inspire the youth who will shape tomorrow.
The application deadline is April 15, 2023.
To learn more and apply for this scholarship, visit: https://pearldrum.com/en/about-pearl/scholarships.