The holidays may be over for another year, but those in search of great music are just getting started as the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert is returning for the 29th year at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 to the Windham High School Performing Arts Center.
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| The Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert, named for Windham High School choral director Dr. Richard Nickerson, is returning for the 29th year at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 to the Windham High School Performing Arts Center. Staged by WHS alumni, the concert is a high-energy musical homecoming to fund scholarships for graduating WHS choral students. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
The evening is filled with laughter, nostalgia, world-class choral performances, and serves a vital purpose as it is the only fundraising event of the year for the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Fund. The concert is the only opportunity for the community to support this specific scholarship.
WHS alumni who are performing in the concert say that every ticket sold or donation goes directly toward a $1,000 scholarship award for graduating seniors who have committed to keeping choral music in their lives during college. They say that those who attend the concert aren't just buying a seat at a show, they are ensuring that Windham’s rich musical heritage continues to thrive in the next generation.
The Richard Nickerson Scholarship Committee was formed in 1997 by parents of Windham Chamber Singers students in appreciation of Dr. Richard Nickerson, the Director of Choral Activities at Windham High School. Since its formation, the Richard Nickerson Scholarship Committee has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to Windham High School graduating seniors pursuing choral music as part of their college experience. All past scholarship recipients continue to be involved in music, either as a career or as a personal passion.
No matter if you are a WHS graduate, the parent of a current student, or simply a fan of great music, the atmosphere surrounding the concert is electric. From heartfelt ballads to soaring choral classics, the talent on display is a testament to the program’s excellence.
Nickerson says while he has nothing to do with the concert or choosing what students receive the scholarships, he is pleased to lend his name to such a wonderful legacy.
“According to the website, 38 students have received the scholarship since 1997,” Nickerson said. “The concerts feature former students of mine and I enjoy hearing them perform and seeing how they have grown as musicians. I also enjoy re-connecting with former students and the concerts give us a chance to catch up.”
As in previous years, Nickerson will be on the sidelines as an audience member.
“As far as the concerts go, my only responsibility is to sit in the audience and enjoy the performance,” he said. “After a long December filled with performances it is a welcome change. Every few years I will volunteer to conduct an alumni chorus. That will not be happening this year, as the Windham Chamber Singers will be having a reunion concert in June.”
Having announced his intention to retire at the end of this school year, Nickerson says that his pending retirement will not have an impact on the scholarships, or the annual scholarship concert.
He said that having the Richard Nickerson Scholarship is humbling but an odd experience.
“Initially, I felt funny about having a scholarship in my name since the namesake of scholarships is often deceased.” Nickerson said. “I consider it a great honor and am so proud that the scholarship has helped so many students to continue singing in choirs beyond the high school level.”
If you are unable to attend the 29th Annual Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert but wish to make a donation to the program, details are available at www.richardnickersonscholarship.org
Concert tickets will be sold at the door for the event. <
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