June 26, 2006

News, Classical, Foundation, Theodora Zavin Scholarship

BMI Foundation Awards 2nd Annual Theodora Zavin Scholarship to Patrick Monte

Ralph N. Jackson, President of the BMI Foundation, Inc., has announced that Patrick Monte is the recipient of the 2nd Annual Theodora Zavin Memorial Scholarship. The award, given for outstanding achievement in composition, is presented annually to a graduating senior at LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & Performing Arts in New York City. Monte received a $2,000 scholarship to further his musical education.

BMI Foundation's Gary Roth, BMI LaGuardia High School Composer-in-Residence Jim Pugliese, Zavin Scholarship winner Patrick Monte, Thea's son Joshua Zavin and BMI Foundation's Ralph Jackson. Photo by Dana Rodriguez

The scholarship was established through the generosity of family and friends to honor the memory of Theodora (Thea) Zavin, Founding President of the BMI Foundation. In making the announcement, Jackson said, "Thea was legendary for her support of talented young musicians and always had a special place in her heart for the vibrant artistic environment at LaGuardia. I know that she would be so pleased to be remembered in this way."

2006 LaGuardia High School graduate Patrick Monte is a composer and performer on guitar, percussion and Mbira. He has studied composition with Jim Pugliese and Khabu Doug Young. Several of his compositions, ranging from jazz orchestra to small chamber ensemble to ska/rock band, have been performed at LaGuardia and at such New York venues as CBGB's, the Knitting Factory, ABC No Rio, the Continental and Arlene's Grocery. He plans to pursue his college studies at the City University of New York (CUNY).

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees, and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the advisory panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

In this story: Ralph Jackson, Patrick Monte, Jim Pugliese

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