When music and money collide, there’s a beautiful sound – particularly if it’s to the tune of “scholarships.” Eight specially chosen Bob Jones choir students went down to the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in Montgomery on the weekend of January 22nd to sing in the Alabama Honors Choir, and one is returning with a $1000 scholarship.
Senior Shelby Morgan won the Alabama Vocal Association’s (AVA) Choral Music Education Scholarship, an honor bestowed to an Alabama student who plans to pursue a career as a music educator. In addition to the monetary award, Morgan will receive a plaque with her name on it to hang at Bob Jones as well as what has been described as a “huge” trophy.
Morgan is not interested in music for the money– it’s her passion.
“I’ve been singing since before I could talk; ‘Mmmbop’ was my favorite song as a baby, apparently. I started training as a classical singer in 7th grade. Somewhere along the way, I figured I’d rather spend my life doing something I love than making lots of money. Success to me is happiness, not money,” Morgan said.
While becoming a professional singer is her dream, Morgan cites it as a “pipe dream.”
“It’s kind of like a football player saying they’re going to play in the NFL. It’s a long shot,” she said.
She isn’t lacking in the talent for it. Morgan has been chosen for the All-State Choir Festival six years in a row, an honor that’s difficult to achieve. She joined Allie Wieczorek, Maria Sullivan, Mia Oswald, Ademola Ayokambia, Josiah Ernest, and Nick Conklin in the Alabama Honors Choir where she received her award.
In addition to singing in the school choir, Shelby sings and plays guitar for her church worship band and is a member of the Prepare and Respond Disaster Relief Team, her church’s student leadership program, and the Bob Jones Student to Student Peer Helpers. Her talents have proven to be cross-curricular.
“Her musical talents have been a great asset,” said Mrs. Drummond, the Peer Helping teacher. “She has used the guitar and singing several times in class. Always came in handy when doing the anti-drug skits for elementary children,” Mrs. Drummond continued. She believes Morgan will succeed due to her “natural leadership, outgoing personality and love for others.”
Morgan intends on attending the University of Alabama to pursue her Music Education degree.
