The Redlands Branch of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) is sponsoring a Scholarship Winners’ Concert on Sunday, April 29 at 4:00 PM at John Knox Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 100 Cajon St., Redlands, CA. This recital will feature Guitarist David Marsden and Pianist Diana Muñoz, the recipients of the Redlands Branch MTAC's annual University of Redlands Scholarship.

The MTAC Redlands Branch Scholarship Award is given to an outstanding University of Redlands Bachelor of Music major. Award winners are chosen through a two-step process. Students are first chosen from those who submitted an audio recording of their live performance in addition to a statement of career/education objectives. Applicants who move to the next stage perform an audition at which two winners are selected. Award recipients receive a financial scholarship and a sponsored concert in the Redlands community. A portion of the proceeds of the April 29 recital will benefit the MTAC Redlands Scholarship Fund, which, in addition to the University of Redlands award, annually provides scholarship assistance to graduating high school seniors planning to major or minor in music.

David Marsden

Guitarist David Marsden is on track to graduate in fall of 2007 with a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance and a second major in Mathematics. Born in the Philippines, Marsden began seriously studying classical guitar in England when he was eight with Patricia Robinson and the renowned Simon Dinnegan.

Marsden won second place in the Carlisle Music Festival and was named “Best Young Guitarist” by Prelude Studios. In the United States, he studied with Darren Templeton and was named overall winner of the University of Redlands, Community School of Music and the Arts (CSMA) Annual merit awards.

Since coming to the University of Redlands, he has received a presidential scholarship, an achievement award, a music scholarship and the Susanne Stevenson and Ester Mertins International Student Scholarship. He also was a finalist in the University’s Solo and Concerto Competition and received a place in the prestigious President’s Honor Recital. He is currently studying with Stuart Green for classical guitar and Paul Murphy for jazz guitar.

Although his main focus is solo classical guitar, Marsden has also participated in a variety of musical groups, including jazz combos, jazz big band (as a soloist), Wind Ensemble (as a percussionist), church musical groups and University Choir. He currently plays first guitar in both the University’s classical and jazz guitar ensembles. He has been teaching privately for more than three years and now is a teacher with the CSMA. He is considering teaching at the college level as his future career.

Diana Muñoz

Eighteen year-old PIANIST, DIANA MUNOZ, is a scholarship student at the University of Redlands where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music Degree with a major in Piano Performance. She studies with Professor Louanne Long.

A native of Hemet, this burgeoning young artist is the recipient of a University of Redlands Talent Scholarship as well as an academic grant. Most recently (February 2007) Ms. Munoz and her piano duo partner Jina Silva, were prize winners in the annual Inland Empire Piano Festival. The duo is becoming familiar to area audiences as Blanc et Noir.

For the past four years Ms. Munoz has been a frequent performer in MTAC and CAPMT competitions and events. Last year (2006) she received the Senior Talent Scholarship Award from the Redlands Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California. She was also a recipient of the Doug Mercer Scholarship (2006).

Also a proficient flutist, Ms. Munoz was an active member of Symphonic Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band throughout her high school years. Highlights of her experience were the tours, that is, performing in concert and competition under the capable leadership of Mr. Jeff Towers, playing in exotic places such as Mexico and the Caribbean in addition to Northern and Southern California.

Ms. Munoz performs regularly as piano soloist at the First Southern Baptist Church of Hemet, and in collaboration with her singing father, is often called upon to provide worship music for the Apostolic Church of Murrieta. She is employed by the Redlands Vocal Academy as a piano instructor and teaches for the University of Redlands Community Music School as well.

Besides music, Ms. Munoz enjoys reading, rock climbing and travel. For the past two years she participated in track and field. She is the daughter of Abraham and Yolanda Munoz of Hemet. Previous teachers include Judy Oscick, Clella English, and Michi Swanson.