Sally Whittle Scholarship for Musical Excellence

The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc. presented the 2020 Sally Whittle Memorial Scholarships for Musical Excellence on June 15, 2020, at the Association's annual meeting, held via Zoom.

For more than two decades, the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc. (formerly the Syracuse Symphony Association) has awarded the Sally Whittle Memorial Scholarship for Musical Excellence to an outstanding Central New York high school senior who plans to study music, instrumental or vocal, or music education, in college.

Each year, the SSMA receives grant applications from many talented students, and this year was no exception. After reviewing the applications, the Sally Whittle Scholarship Committee, chaired by Donna Miller, made the decision to award 2 scholarships of $2000 each to Anneke Van Slyke, and Eric Wenner.

Anneke Van Slyke – Fayetteville-Manlius HS

Anneke is proficient in voice, flute, and piano. She was a member of the Fayetteville-Manlius Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. She also attended the prestigious New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSMA) Choral Studies program. Anneka was also a member of the National Honors Society.

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She has studied with Shawn Hebert, Rebecca Biz, and Christine Klemperer. In the Fall, Anneke will be majoring in vocal performance at Baldwin Wallace University. Her future goal is to perform in staged operas.

Eric Wenner – West Genesee HS

Eric plays clarinet, piano, and alto saxophone. He was Principal Clarinet with the Symphoria Youth Orchestra, and Principal Second Clarinet, All-State NYSSMA Orchestra. At West Genesee High School, Eric was in the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Chorale. Eric has studied with Symphoria Principal Clarinet, Allan Kolsky, and pianist, Steven Rosenfeld.

He also attended the NYSSMA Summer School for the Arts School of Orchestral Studies, and the two-week Boston University Tanglewood Institute Clarinet Institute. Eric will 

be attending the University of Rochester, majoring in clarinet performance. His aspiration is to be Principal Clarinet in a professional orchestra.