Lee’s 2015 Presser Scholar Matthew Kelly, right, receives his award at the Honors Recital from Dr. William Green, dean of Lee University School of Music.
Matthew Kelly, a junior church music major originally from Sacramento, Ca., was named the recipient of Lee University’s 2015-2016 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award.
“Matt Kelly is the kind of student that any music department dreams of having,” said Dr. Nathan Warner, assistant professor of music at Lee, who is Mr. Kelly’s applied trumpet instructor. “He is a hard-working leader whose example pushes those around him. His capabilities and work ethic are rivaled only by his humility and desire to serve others.”
While at Lee, Mr. Kelly has been involved in various ensembles including Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Brass Ensemble. He will also be a part of the Brass Quintet next semester.
Mr. Kelly is on staff with Youth for America, a ministry that conducts Christian leadership training and encourages young men and women to be strong ministers in their job field. He also helps lead worship at Burks United Methodist Church in Chattanooga.
Mr. Kelly plans to marry his fiancée, Celeste Pugh, at the end of this coming May.
“I am immensely blessed to have been chosen as the recipient for this award,” Mr. Kelly said. “It is such a great honor to know that the hard work and love that I have devoted to my time here at Lee has been noticed and appreciated by the incredible faculty that has helped shape me.”
The Presser Foundation, established by music publisher Theodore Presser, is dedicated solely to the support of music and music education. With its Undergraduate Scholar Award, the Pennsylvania-based foundation recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in music performance at accredited colleges and universities across the country.
As the 2015-2016 Presser Scholar, Mr. Kelly will receive a cash stipend for his upcoming senior year.
Presser Undergraduate Scholar Awards are distributed to a number of accredited institutions throughout America. Past recipients at Lee University include Joey Archer (2014), Erica Tipton (2013), Matthew Wilkinson (2012), Lamprini Lindeman (2011), Christopher Oglesby (2010), Sabbath Ward (2009), Rachael Skidmore (2008), Michael Land (2007), Brooke Upton (2006), Troy Strand (2005), Rachel Ogle Laney (2004), Amy Shallenberger (2003), Brian Shaw (2002), RaeAnna Hooper (2001), and Jeffrey Jewsome (2000).
For more information on Lee’s School of Music, call 614-8240. Connect with the School of Music on social media by liking “Lee University School of Music” on Facebook and following the School of Music on Twitter at @LeeUSOM.