The prestigious Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award was recently conferred on Benjamin Martin of Fort Worth, a senior music major at Angelo State University, according to a news bulletin on April 2.
This award, from the Presser Foundation in Philadelphia, includes a $3,000 scholarship and the title of Presser Scholar.
The Presser Award annually celebrates students in their final year of study “who have achieved a high level of music and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and contributed to an inclusive com munity.”
Nominees are selected by their school’s faculty, and submitted to the foundation for consideration.
Angelo State joined the Presser Foundation scholarship program in 2023, and Martin is the second ASU student to receive the award.
“The music faculty at Angelo State are highly respectful of Ben’s achievements and of his contributions to the ASU music program and ensembles,” said Dr. Stephen Emmons, professor of music. “Ben will certainly enjoy success as a professional musician and teacher.”
A graduate of Aledo High School, Martin’s primary instrument is trumpet, and he was the winner of ASU’s 2022 Concerto Competition. He has performed as a member of the ASU Ram Horns, ASU Trumpet Ensemble, ASU Symphony Orchestra, ASU Brass Ensemble, ASU V/V (Five for Five) Brass Quintet and ASU Symphonic Band.
He has also conducted performances by the Symphonic Band and accompanied the ASU Chorale in concert.
Additionally, Martin has made the ASU Dean’s List every semester. Besides the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, he has received the ASU Friends of Art and Music Education (FAME) Scholarship, ASU Music Scholarship and Sean W. Vick Memorial Scholarship.
Martin will receive his bachelor’s degree from ASU in May with all-level teacher certification, and plans to work as a public school band director in Texas.
