The Webster Beal Student Music Fund Committee is delighted to announce the recipients of the awards for 2020. After a thorough and careful review of the applicants, two outstanding candidates were chosen to receive instruments and lessons. Both recipients are remarkable young students the committee felt would benefit greatly from this opportunity.

Ciara Pitcher is a freshman at New Haven College where she is studying criminal justice. She is interested in all kinds of music and received a new trumpet and lessons. Ciara wrote, “I would like to thank you for granting me aid for a new trumpet and lessons. I extremely appreciate the support that the Webster Beal Fund has given me.”

The second recipient is Boothbay Region High School freshman Suzannah Edwards, who was awarded a new electric keyboard and lessons. She is an ardent student of voice as well as several instruments. Suzannah wrote to the committee, “I'm very, very blessed that you decided to grant me the funds to purchase this electric piano along with lessons and I cannot thank you enough. I hope to see you sometime soon when COVID-19 has gone away and maybe I could play for you!”

The Webster Beal Committee congratulates these two talented students and wishes them the best of luck with their musical endeavors. The committee also thanks everyone who has given to this fund that provides the opportunity for inspired young people to pursue their musical dreams. To support this worthy cause, checks made out to “The Webster Beal Fund” can be sent c/o The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, P.O. Box 800, Boothbay Harbor ME 04538.

The Webster Beal Student Music Fund was established in memory of Arthur Webster and Danny Beal, two beloved local musicians who entertained audiences on the peninsula for decades. They were both dedicated to their music and were always happy to share their talent and enthusiasm with eager students.

The members of the committee hope this bit of good news will brighten everyone’s day in a time that is challenging for us all.

Awards for 2021 will be announced in September 2021. Any student interested in applying for a 2021 Webster Beal award should contact committee chair Jill Tupper at jktup@gwi.net or apply through the BRES/BRHS music department.