(Annapolis, MD—June 12, 2025)
Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians, Inc. (AMFM), a nonprofit organization that supports professional Annapolis-area musicians and music programs for youth, has awarded its annual Tim King Music Performance Scholarship of $5,000 to Broadneck High School senior Collin Kassal. This fall, Mr. Kassal will enroll as a freshman at the University of Maryland (UMD) College Park, where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Music.
Mr. Kassal’s instrumental focus is on the cello; however, he is also an accomplished pianist and euphonium player. Some notable performances include the French Embassy and Carnegie Hall, and he has toured Europe with the Broadneck High School Orchestra. He is also very active in the local Annapolis music scene, performing with several bands and playing such venues as Rams Head Onstage, Maryland Hall, and 49 West Coffeehouse. His instructor described Mr. Kassal as “hard-working, dedicated, responsible and mature”, and encouraging toward young composers. He was also described as being the yardstick against whom all students are compared, and has made a “tremendous impact on [their] entire music department.”
Mr. Kassal’s plans after graduation include working as a cellist in a symphony orchestra, teaching private cello lessons, performing regularly and “continu[ing] to explor[e] my non-classical side as a cellist in a rock or folk band.”
This is the scholarship’s eighth year. Scholarship candidates were evaluated on several criteria—including their participation in high school music performance groups, volunteer community-based music opportunities, private lessons, a videoed performance piece, and an essay—to assess their commitment to pursuing music performance academically. “We are so amazed by the talent of our young musicians in the Annapolis area. We feel fortunate that we can continue to honor Tim King’s legacy by awarding this scholarship to a very deserving student. Congratulations, Collin! We wish you the very best and look forward to following your career,” says AMFM President P.J. Thomas.
AMFM was created to provide emergency financial relief to professional Annapolis musicians who cannot work due to sickness, injury, or any other circumstance leaving them unable to perform. It also fosters the next generation of musicians in the Annapolis area through its scholarship and award programs. AMFM raises funds through donations and music events that showcase local professional talent.