Scholarship Program

This is the 12th year that West Hartford Women’s Chorale will offer scholarships to deserving seniors in a Greater Hartford high school. Applicants are chosen because they have been active participants in their high school music program throughout their time in school and plan to continue with music in some capacity in college. We hope that these $1500 scholarships will help support two deserving seniors with their dreams for the future.

2021 Scholarship Winners - Giovanna Gioscia and Brianna Okantah

Giovanna Gioscia, a senior at Somers High School, is one of two 2021 recipients of the $1200 award, chosen among very strong competition. Giovanna has a resume that reflects commitment and passion for music as well as determination to seek out opportunities not available at her home school. Her resume reflects her talent as a saxophonist and the many achievements she has in music. The committee was especially impressed with the breadth of her talent in academics and other extracurricular activities, as well as her accomplishments in music. Her music teacher from the United States Coast Guard Band says, “Giovanna holds every characteristic and more that is required to become one of the greatest musicians of her time. Her curiosity and thirst for music history, pedagogy and technical knowledge of the instrument has pushed her maturity as an artist far beyond her years.” Giovanna plans to double major in music education and saxophone performance.

Brianna Okantah, a senior at East Hartford High School, was also selected to receive the $1200 West Hartford Women’s Chorale Scholarship this year. Brianna stood out as a committed and talented musician, an excellent student, and a young woman who believes in giving back to her community. Music has been a part of her life since an early age, from singing, to writing music to playing a number of instruments. Presently she plays the marimba and leads the Mallet Percussion Section of her school band. She plans to continue music in college but to major in psychology with hopes of going on to a career in music therapy.  In her words, “(Music) was the thing that understood me when no one else could. ….I am going to be that outlet for others as music was for me.” She is described by her band leader as “one of the most hardworking, passionate and caring students I have ever taught.”