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MPTF Music Family Scholarships Awarded to Five Local 72-147 Families

December 4, 2020

Five students now attending college this fall whose parents are members of Local 72-147 were recipients this year of a Music Family Scholarship from the recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF).

Students who received scholarships were Elizabeth Drake, daughter of member Mike Drake; Mila Fisher, daughter of member Jonathan Fisher; Elizabeth Ishii daughter of members Susan and Tim Ishii; Sarah Mortenson, daughter of member Kristin Mortenson and Veronica White, daughter of members Willa Henigman and Greg White.


“We are proud that our families being recognized in this way,” said Stewart Williams, President at Local 72-147. “With most of our live music events on hold due to COVID-19, this recognition serves as a reminder to us all of the enduring value of music in our lives and society.”


The MPTF established this scholarship during a time of great challenge and change to encourage the children of professional musicians, and even the musicians themselves, to pursue higher education and become leaders in their chosen fields. Applicants were encouraged to write an essay describing the impact growing up in a music family has had on their own lives.


“Many themes emerged in the application essays we received – perseverance, passion, contribution, commitment, practice – and we were gratified by everyone’s words of optimism and determination,” said Dan Beck, MPTF Trustee. “Those selected most uniquely expressed the lessons they’ve learned from growing up in a music family.”

Other scholarships for Union families are available. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2021 Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Program.