The Western Region Conference of the National Association of Negro Musicians experienced the magical performances of contestants Erica Freeman, Gisele Njog and Marlaina Owens during its 2024 music scholarship competition on April 27.
The competition was held on Saturday, April 27, at Grant AME Church, in South L.A. where the Rev. Dr. Timothy D. Coston, Jr. serves as pastor.
Related Stories
https://lasentinel.net/g-l-a-m-honors-mcneil-hayes-at-53rd-annual-memorial-concert.html
https://lasentinel.net/georgia-laster-association-of-musicians-hosts-scholarship-competition.html
The exhilarating event was facilitated under the expert leadership of Co-Scholarship
Chairpersons Byron J. Smith and Joyce W. Norfleet and was hosted by the Taylor Benjamin Smith Performing Arts Society Branch of the Western Region of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.
The Western Region of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) has four branches: Edna Hammett Porter Music Association, George Robert-Garner Ill, and Taylor Benjamin Smith Performing Arts Society.
There are three phases of the Music Scholarship Competition Program where the winner is chosen as the result of recommendations by a panel of judges. The first phase begins with each Western Region Branch.
Saturday’s competition was the second phase. Contestant Gisele Njog represented Taylor Benjamin Smith Performing Arts Society placed third. Erica Freeman represented the Edna Hammett Porter Music Association, placed second, and contestant Marlaina Owens represented Georgia Laster Association of Musicians, Inc. and placed first. She will represent the Western Region at the National Convention of the National Association of Negro Musicians.
The final phase of the competition will be held on Sunday, July 14, at 7 p.m., at the NANM National Convention at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles Hotel, 711 So. Hope St., in downtown L.A.
One contestant per region will compete on the national level. The prizes for the winners are $6,500 – first place, $5,500 – second place, and $4,500 -third place.
