Two Midway High School students have been accepted to Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute for the summer 2015 session. Vocalist Brittany Brewer and clarinetist Matthew Parsons were chosen to participate in this highly selective music program through a competitive process that required an extensive application, audition video and letter of recommendation.
The Tanglewood Institute began in 1966 and has produced several famous alumni, including jazz pianist Harry Connick Jr. The Tanglewood Institute program is recognized internationally as one of the premier summer training programs for high school musicians.
Brittany Brewer:
Brittany Brewer, a sophomore at Midway High School, was selected for the Young Artists Vocal Program at the Tanglewood Institute and received a competitive scholarship for the program. The six-week session for aspiring vocalists includes weekly private lessons, chorus rehearsals, master classes and academic sessions in music theory and diction.
Brewer is a member of both the Midway High School Meistersingers and Camerata Orchestra. She was selected as a member of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association All-State Mixed Choir. Brewer has received a Superior Rating for voice at the UIL Region and State Solo and Ensemble Contest. This spring, she placed first in the Youth 1A Classical Division of the Dallas/ Fort Worth National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Matthew Parsons:
Matthew Parsons, a junior at Midway High School, has been accepted to the 2015 summer Clarinet Workshop. At Tanglewood, Parsons will study with world-renowned clarinetist Dr. Ethan Sloan, Professor of Music at Boston University.
Parsons is a principle clarinetist for the Midway Wind Symphony, Waco Youth Orchestra, and Waco Wind Ensemble. For the past two years, he has earned the top chair for Texas 6A All-Region competition. In 2015, Parsons received the distinction of All-State soloist and was named the Midway High School Outstanding Bandsman. In addition to being selected for Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute, Parsons was also accepted to the music program at the Interlochen Summer Institute.
