Desert Community Orchestra Association (DCOA) Joanne Freeman–
The recipients of this year’s Desert Community Orchestra Association (DCOA) sponsored Peter Pinto Music Scholarship are Meghan Albro, Lydia Washburn, and Thomas Wonnacott. The Peter Pinto Music Scholarship is awarded annually to students (graduating high school seniors to their 22nd birthday) planning to continue their musical studies privately or in college. Applicants are evaluated on their musical performance, school and community involvement, and future musical goals. The award is named for the late Dr. Peter Pinto, a pediatrician who played the violin for many years in the Desert Community Orchestra.
Meghan Albro, a flutist, is a senior graduating from Burroughs High School in June. She has been studying privately during her high school years and participating in band and orchestra. Meghan was a featured soloist with the Burroughs High School band in their spring concert. Meghan served as flute section leader, Band council secretary, Relay for Life Entertainment Co-chair, CSF(California Scholarship Foundation) Secretary, and ROAM (Ridgecrest on a Mission) Club. She was a volunteer at Rainbow Rescue (a pet foster program.) She was selected to play in the Cerritos College Honors Band and has played in the Desert Community Orchestra for two years. Meghan received excellent & superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble festivals.
During her senior year, Meghan formed and coached a flute choir at the high school; her goal is to expand the group, including mentoring students entering high school and offering private lessons to young students. She plans to do this while completing a General Science degree at Cerro Coso Community College before transferring to a university. Meghan also has a keen interest in flute repair and would like to apprentice under a technician in Antelope Valley. Her plans for her $1500 award include helping fund the flute choir (music), travel costs associated with an internship, and possibly purchasing a piccolo. Meghan is the daughter of Rick and Mary Albro.
Lydia Washburn, a violinist, is also a senior at Burroughs High School. Lydia has studied violin privately for nine years. During her high school years, she served as concertmaster for the Burroughs Orchestra and served in leadership as team captain for both the track and cross country teams. Her community involvement includes performing in the Desert Community Orchestra and various community music productions such as Handel’s Messiah and The Magic Flute. Lydia served in her church youth leadership as well. Her plans include attending BYU in the fall to major in English and minor in music. She was awarded a $500 Peter Pinto scholarship. Lydia is the daughter of Ephraim & Kimberley Washburn.
Thomas Wonnacott, a trombonist, is also a senior at Burroughs High School. Thomas has participated in Symphonic and Stage bands and served as drum major for the Burroughs High School Marching band. As a member of his church, Thomas has served in various capacities. He is a Friends of Rachel, Interact Club, and CSF member and has performed in local events to fundraise for the BHS music program. Thomas plans to attend BYU in the fall to major in Computer Science. His passion is music composition, which he hopes to incorporate into a Computer Science: Animation & Games program someday. Thomas hopes to be performing in the BYU Marching Band in the fall. He was awarded a $500 Peter Pinto scholarship. Thomas is the son of Mark & Diane Wonnacott.
