A soprano, pianist, violinist and trumpeter make up the newest class of Kenan Music Scholars, who have received full scholarships in music to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The 2011 scholars are Kayla Hill, a soprano from Louisville, Ky.; Christina Lai, a pianist from Plantation, Fla.; Ina Liu, a violinist from Centerville, Ohio; and Ryan Petersburg, a trumpeter from Raleigh.
This year, 185 musicians competed for the merit scholarships in the College of Arts and Sciences. A $4 million endowment created in 2006 by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust of Chapel Hill funds the awards.
The scholarships, valued at about $70,000 each over four years, cover tuition, fees, room, board and lessons. That amount includes a $6,000 allowance for study abroad and other summer enrichment opportunities, private music study, extra coaching and lessons with guest artists, internships with elite music groups, attendance at music festivals and other music events, and travel to auditions for graduate school programs.
A faculty committee chose the recipients for academic excellence and outstanding ability in music.
Hill, a graduate of DuPont Manuel High School, is a former member of the Louisville Youth Choir, has sung in master classes for distinguished teachers from Indiana University, and attended the 2008 Junior Statesman Summer School at Yale University. Her academic achievements include completing nine Advanced Placement courses and being on her school’s debate team. She also was a volunteer for the Down Syndrome Group of Louisville and a record-holding competitor in the Kentucky Track Championships.
Lai, a graduate of Nova High School, was a recipient of a Chopin Foundation Scholarship and has participated in national and international competitions. She has a special interest in chemistry and tutored students at her high school. She also was active in her local Chinese Cultural Association and participated in numerous community fundraising efforts.
Liu, a graduate of Centerville High School, was a member and the concertmaster of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She won several competitions in Ohio, including one with the Dayton Philharmonic, and was selected for the Honors Orchestra of the Americas, performing in Carnegie Hall. She also taught violin to younger students at her school. Her academic interests include mathematics and the sciences. She was president of the Chinese Club, an officer of the French Club and a dance team member.
Petersburg, a graduate of Athens Drive High School, was a member of the math team, a math tutor, fiction editor of the school magazine and a member of the Key Club. He has performed in the North Carolina All-State Bands and Orchestras, at the Governor’s School of North Carolina and in the 2010 National Honor Band of America. He has won high ratings in statewide piano competitions. He volunteered with Second Chance Pet Adoptions and plays competitive squash.
“I am pleased to welcome four outstanding first-year musician-scholars to our campus,” said music professor Donald L. Oehler, director of the scholarship program. “These new Tar Heels have already demonstrated outstanding talent and ability through some of the most rigorous auditions and interviews in the nation. With their proven academic and musical excellence, Kayla, Christina, Ina and Ryan will certainly enhance our outstanding scholarship program.”
