Congratulations to saxophonist Julian Mardjekaj and trombonist Annamarie Mueller, winners of Fall 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Scholarship Awards!
Julian Mardjekaj is a rising freshman at Valley Regional High School, and has played saxophone since third grade. He was accepted by competitive audition into the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Southern Region Honor Band. Julian participates in a wide variety of activities, but regarding music’s role in his life, he reflects, “I have grown to love my saxophone increasingly throughout my life with the help of family, friends, mentors and truly talented band directors.” He studies at CMS with saxophone and clarinet instructor Harry Kliewe.
Annamarie Mueller is a rising junior at Cromwell High School. She has studied trombone for six years and is actively involved n the music program at her school playing in the Jazz, Concert, and Pep Bands. Last year she auditioned and was accepted into CMEA’s Northern Region and Allstate Concert Bands. This Summer she attended Laurel Music Camp, playing in their Big Band Jazz Ensemble. In her free time she serves as Stage Manager for her school’s musical productions, plays tennis, hikes, swims, and creates through painting and photography. She studies trombone at CMS with Adam Myers.
These awards honor the memory of Carolyn Greenleaf, a resident of Essex who was passionate about music education and who worked tirelessly to promote music in our communities. The Carolyn Greenleaf Memorial Award Committee partnered with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County to award (by audition) up to two half-tuition scholarships each semester to High School students residing in Middlesex County or the Lyme, to support private lesson study at CMS.
