From the Community Foundation of Harford County:
Community Foundation of Harford County is pleased to announce that Bel Air resident Julie Houtz has received the 2013 William A. Humbert Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship, valued at $5,000, is named in memory of William “Bill” Humbert, a charter member of the Bel Air Community Band and a founder of the Bel Air Summer Concert Series.
Ms. Houtz is a senior music education major at Towson University. She plays the horn and is an active member of the Bel Air Community Band. She developed a love of music when she was a toddler because music was always a part of her family life.
In addition to playing the horn for 11 years, Ms. Houtz also studied the flute for four years and has been playing the guitar and singing for 20 years. She also performs in Towson University’s symphonic band, pep band, and orchestra and brass quintet.
Ms. Houtz, a 1997 graduate of C. Milton Wright High School, returned to college several years ago to complete her degree at Towson University. In addition to being a full-time student, Ms. Houtz is an assistant to the director of bands at Towson University; works in the main office for the university’s Department of Music, teaches private music lessons and performs locally.
Her goal after receiving her degree next May is to teach instrumental music in schools in Harford County.
“The scholarship is one of the main reasons I know for certain I will be able to complete my degree,” Ms. Houtz said. “I am humbled and honored to have won such an award.”
Mr. Humbert taught clarinet and saxophone lessons for many years. He served as president of the Bel Air Community Band for 10 years and was an active member of the clarinet section until ill health forced him to step down in 2000. The scholarship was established in 2003 and is presented yearly to a recipient who is a graduate of a Harford County high school and who is currently a college senior majoring in music or music education or is in a graduate program.
“Julie Houtz continues the strong tradition of Harford County musicians receiving a scholarship named in memory of Bill Humbert,” said Tamara W. Zavislan, executive director of the Community Foundation of Harford County. “The talent in our community is extraordinary, and it is an honor to recognize someone like Julie who wants to give back to the community by teaching instrumental music in Harford County schools.”
Community Foundation of Harford County (CFHC) is a nonprofit organization supported by the community through donations, enabling individuals, families and businesses to leave a legacy to benefit the causes about which they care. Charitable gifts are used to make Harford County stronger through grant-making to local nonprofits and through scholarships. Since 2009, CFHC has awarded more than $136,000 in grants to Harford County nonprofit organizations. CFHC is one of 14 community foundations in Maryland and one of 700 across the country.
The students who spoke at Monday’s board meeting about their DI experience are the reason the board sent the policy back to committee. You could tell the board was asked to adopt a policy about a program they knew nothing about (which I find odd, since every May they recognize each DI team that is going on to the Global Finals, in a public forum). The board is asking for more information on the DI program and they didn’t set a deadline for the committee review. Send your comments in NOW to the Board. Go to the HCPS website, click on the Board of Education tab, then Public Comment. This year, the board is piloting a great STEM initiative in middle schools in Harford County. I find it odd that at the same time, they’re effectively destroying the DI program, which is an amazing hands-on STEM program which has been running strong in Harford County for years. Aren’t the students the focus here? Or is it the HCPS board and all the great programs they’re willing to institute and throw money at? Come on board members! This is about the students. If you want credit for supporting STEM programs that benefit students in HCPS this is your chance!
Congratulations, Julie. I have heard you play and know you deserve a place in the long line of outstanding Harford County musicians.