Duncan Tuomi [ video | press ]
Duncan Tuomi has enjoyed singing since the age of ten, is currently singing with six choirs; he also composes and conducts choirs. He is excited to receive an Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship because of the affirmation of his achievement, and also that it symbolizes the importance of music and its relevance in contemporary society; he hopes that it will help to distinguish him in college as someone with the perseverance to achieve. He will attend St. Olaf College in the coming fall.
Emma Milward [ video ]
When I was in elementary school, I found the word “oboe” to have an amusing sound and spelling, inspiring me to begin studying oboe years later. My fondest experiences playing the oboe are moments in orchestra where I feel empowered and in harmony with the group as we create a musical work of art, and I am thrilled to receive the OMHOF scholarship because it is a reflection of my passion for music that has encouraged me to push my limits and grow. I will be attending Brown University and I plan on incorporating music into my studies at a four-year university; regardless of precisely what role music will have in my life, music has undoubtedly shaped who I am, and I believe that it will shape my future.
Sean Gabriel (Gabe) Petegorsky [ video ]
Gabe Petegorsky joined the Pacific Youth Choir in 2008 and has since developed as a solo and choral performer, singing with the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy at the Oregon Bach Festival for three consecutive summers, joining the Pacific Youth Choir’s Chamber Choir in performance and in the recording studio with the band Pink Martini, and placing second for Bass Voice in the 2011 OSAA State Solo Contest. Finalizing a college decision between Stanford University and Yale University, he plans to study computer science and music with continued classical study of voice in preparation for graduate study or high-level performance. He is greatly honored to be a recipient of the 2012 Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship, and feels empowered to continue pursuing his passion for music, appreciating this vote of confidence from the Oregon music community.
Lake Jiroudek [ video ]
I began playing guitar because of my brother’s punk rock group in Middle School. Their musical collaboration inspired me to begin playing an instrument myself. The lead instrument in their group was guitar which attracted me to it. I’m very honored to gain this award and be recognized in the state I have grown up in. This scholarship will help me pay for my dorm/apartment this coming year.