Carolyn Andrews Troutman Middle School Music Award
An award of $1000 each will be offered annually to two financially deserving graduating 8th grade students in the Bellingham School District to be used to further their pursuit of music education and performance. Funds may be used for music camps or other music programs, instrument purchase or private instrument or vocal lessons, as well as other uses on a case-by-case basis.
Preference will be given to those who have limited financial resources and could not afford the opportunity otherwise. Applicants should demonstrate a high degree of talent and dedication to music with future plans to pursue their music.
Applications can be submitted annually between March1- May 1 and final selection will occur by May 31st.
Make a donation to the Carolyn Andrews Troutman Middle School Music Award
Carolyn Andrews Troutman was an avid musician who deeply felt music of all kinds, but especially classical music. It moved her. She started piano in third grade and cello in the fifth grade and was engaged in many forms of choral music from sixth grade and throughout the rest of her life. She had a beautiful blending voice and could sight read just about anything. Everyone wanted to sit next to her at choir practice so they could learn the part!
At the age of 16, Carolyn was awarded a prestigious full scholarship to the Interlochen National Music Camp for 6 weeks where she studied piano with international acclaimed pianists, studied cello and performed in front of President Gerald Ford. She graduated Westfield HS in Westfield, NJ in 1977 and was co-awarded “Outstanding Musician” with her best friend, Lisa Tipton.
Carolyn studied music education at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and focused on cello as her instrument. For her senior recital she played Bach’s 3rd cello suite, a Braham’s Sonata and ended the program with Debussy’s Romance. Her first job out of college was teaching General Music and Choir in the Elem. and Middle Schools in Southbury, CT.
During the years she was raising her three children, she offered piano and cello lessons in her home. In 2006, Carolyn started the Whatcom Girls Chorus for 3rd – 8th grade students which extended for 20 seasons. No program like it existed at the time and over the years it gave hundreds of girls the opportunity to appreciate the joy of singing. She was always inclusive and welcoming and middle school girls who couldn’t find their place elsewhere found a home with Carolyn. Up until the time of her death, she still received beautiful notes from former students telling her how much she helped them form their love of music.
Carolyn was truly one of a kind. She was warm, kind, joyful and a truly exceptional individual. Just like her mother, Louise Andrews, music was central to her life. She had a special heart for and gift with middle school students. Before her passing, she blessed the idea of this scholarship and she will be delighted each year to see deserving and musically gifted graduating middle-school students benefit from this award!