The International Women’s Brass Conference, Dillon Music, and the Penny Turner Young Artist Award Committee are thrilled to announce the 2023 Winner: Maya Morrison!
A note from Ginger Turner:
“I am thrilled to be awarding the Penny Turner Young Artist Award to Ms. Maya Morrison. The team of judges really struggled this year because of the quality of the candidates. Maya’s accomplishments are too numerous to list here but I assure you we have selected a young lady that we will be hearing about for years to come. I’d like to thank Dillon Music for their sponsorship of this award, and my Mom’s generosity in gifting this award. Thanks to IWBC and the panel of judges for their time and dedication.”
More about Maya:
Maya Morrison is an eighteen year old native of Akron, Ohio. As a trombone student, Maya has studied with Dr. Elisabeth Shafer and most recently with Dr. Lauren Rudzinskas. Currently, Maya is studying psychology and music performance at The University of Akron. Maya plans to become a Music Therapist in order to help people who are struggling. As a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship and a Music Honors Scholarship from The University of Akron, Maya takes her studies and musicianship extremely seriously.
During Maya’s time in high school, she was first chair trombone of her High School’s Marching Band, Jazz Band, Funk Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. Maya was also the low brass section leader during her junior and senior years of high school. As a leader, Maya’s sections developed into strong independent sections that provided a powerful foundation to their ensembles. In addition to being a leader amongst her peers, Maya is dedicated to helping young musicians reach their highest potential. Maya volunteers by giving lessons to middle school students, and is also an avid advocate of the incredible importance of music in the life of young people.
As a young performer, Maya has had many opportunities and much success. In December 2022 Maya earned a seat in The Ohio Band Directors Conference Honors Band at the University of Akron. Maya also played in the University of Akron’s first Honors Brass Ensemble in March of 2023. Maya performed alongside The University of Akron’s Trombone Choir as a guest high school student and will continue to do so as a college student. As a soloist, Maya has received high praise and superior ratings for her warm tone and mature musicianship.
The Penny Turner Young Artist Award is a scholarship competition created by IWBC Board Member Ginger Turner in honor of her late mother, Penny Turner.
