In the 15 and Under Age 2009 NWAS Scholarship Category, two young students who live in Montana share the $150 award, each receiving a $75 honorarium. Kassandra Patterson from Grantsdale, Montana is 13 years old, starting at the age of nine, and is studying with her teacher, Beverly Fess of Okotoks, Alberta, Canada via the internet. Every Thursday night, she makes a connection with her teacher to take her lesson. Her teacher gives her high marks for her dedication to her music. Kassandra performs in public and will attend the Kimberley International Old Time Accordion competition for her second year and will compete with a duet partner from Canada.
She also has been coaching Brandon Carson, also 13 who lives nearby in Hamilton, Montana and who is the other recipient sharing the $75 Honorarium in the 15 and Under Age Category. Brandon studies with Jean Roberts, a member of the Five Valley Accordion Association of Montana. Brandon has completed his 2nd year of studies in the Palmer Hughes study course and has become very active performing at the valley nursing homes, senior center, county fair, and school and community events. Brandon writes that he became interested in the accordion through his friendship with Kassandra and her grandmother. His goal is to be able to afford to compete soon at the KIOTAC competition.
The recipient of the Age 15 to 25 Category is Yevgeniy Nosov, age 20, who lives in Spokane, Washington. He is a student of Patricia Bartell. Yevgeniy has played the accordion for nine years, learning form his father. He started lessons with Patricia this past year and has made great strides in polishing his technique. He has been active performing with his church orchestra and performs with the Spokane Accordion Orchestra conducted by Ms. Bartell. Since he is a college student, the $200 Scholarship Award will help him with needed funds to continue his lessons and to enter festival competitions.