Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship

When I started middle school, I was captivated by the high school bands and their thrilling performances at events like Battle of the Bands. The music, the energy, and the school spirit really drew me in, and I thought, "I want to do that!" In my first year, I picked up the trombone, even though I didn't know how to buzz into a mouthpiece. Thankfully, I received guidance from Isaiah T. Simpson, the section leader of the South Carolina State University Marching 101 tuba section. He inspired me to focus on my future and to strive to make a name for myself, especially as a young Black man. Fast forward five years, I transitioned to playing the tuba, and that's when everything took off. I began to put my name out there for directors across the SWAC, MEAC, and SIAC conferences. Jackson State University has become a huge motivation for me; it’s one of my top three schools, and I’m determined to be there next year. I plan to make a difference in my music career by becoming a high school band director and eventually a college band director. I love motivating others, being a role model, teaching music, and, most importantly, playing music. With the drive, hard work, determination, and dedication I possess, I truly believe anything is possible. I want to inspire others just as my current band director, Mr. Isaiah T. Simpson, inspired me. My goal is to create an environment where students feel encouraged to pursue their passion for music and strive for their goals. By sharing my love for music and supporting my students, I hope to make a lasting impact on their lives. Receiving the Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship would be a transformative step in my journey toward college. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens of tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and music without the constant worry of student debt. It would provide me with the opportunity to participate in various music programs, masterclasses, and workshops that can further enhance my skills. Moreover, it would enable me to network with other musicians and educators who share my passion, opening doors to mentorship and collaboration. Ultimately, this scholarship would not only support my education but also empower me to become a positive influence in my community. By pursuing my dream of becoming a band director, I aspire to pass on the inspiration that I received from Mr. Simpson and others to future generations. With the help of the Corderius M. Webster Memorial Scholarship, I would be one step closer to making my dream a reality and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

My name is Ja'vion Haynes and I've loved and shared an interest in music since I was a small kid. A lot has inspired me to pursue my love for music, as well as people too. I'm from Louisville MS, a small town, so there aren't that many opportunities like this just to appear and be able to take it, and for that I'm grateful. There were a lot of people who contributed to my love and understanding of music, but I feel like I need to give all the credit to two amazing people. First is the man that taught me all I know about music, he's nobody famous but he's a great guy. My First band director Clay Fuller. Second, is a woman that I only knew for a year but she taught me the fundamentals of music. My 6th-grade band director Rachel Strong Mann. These two people deserve a lot of credit for my musical abilities. Without them I don't think I would have the knowledge of music that I'm blessed with now, or the achievements that I've gained along the way. I've grown exponentially since joining the band in middle school. I've been my section's first chair since 6th grade. I learned how to play a various amount of instruments. I learned how to sing better and project my usually soft-spoken voice. I'm the new drum major of Louisville High School. I even taught myself how to compose music by ear. I eventually want to learn how to help my fellow African-American kids, along with other kids of color, find and express their love for music like I fortunately did. Even though we are a small society in music I personally aim to reach for a goal that breaks standards. I aim to help and teach anybody that wants to pursue a passion for music. Because, if you have a love for anything as big as mine for music then you would want to share your talents with your community and the world. With all that's going on in the world right now, music has always been a safe haven for me, and I know it has been one for a lot of others too. So it would be nice to be able to give people the key to their own safe place and give them the same feeling I have when I'm around the thing that keeps me full.