André J. Washington’s recent graduation from the Eastman School of Music culminated four years of intense study but not his education overall: the flutist was awarded a 2010 Fulbright Research Grant and will be continuing his schooling in France. Selected from the largest applicant pool to date, Washington will use his national award to study at l’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris under the instruction of internationally renowned soloist Jean Ferrandis.
Washington’s Fulbright Research Grant lengthens his list of accomplishments. He received a scholarship from the Rochester chapter of The Links Inc., an international organization linking African American women committed to educational, cultural, and civic activities; won second place in the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Instrumental Competition; and held the position of principal flutist for the Oberlin in Italy Opera Festival Orchestra in Arezzo, Italy.
Washington received his Bachelor of Music degree during the May 16 Commencement at the Eastman School, where he studied with Professor of Flute Bonita Boyd. At Eastman, he was featured in both the Eastman Philharmonia and the Eastman Wind Ensemble, most notably in the Wind Ensemble’s recent Midwest tour to Ann Arbor, Mich., and Chicago.
A native of Chicago, where he studied flute at the Merit School of Music, Washington received two honorable mentions in the Society of American Musicians Competition, attended the National High School Music Institute at Northwestern University, was a member of the Chicago Youth Concert Orchestra, and has performed in the Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual spring gala.
Washington was not the only Eastman student to receive recognition this Fulbright season; graduating senior cellist Michael Kaufman was named a Fulbright alternate. Originally from Cleveland, Kaufman studied at Eastman with Professor of Violoncello Steven Doane. Winner of the Cleveland Cello Society Competition and selected for the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Young Artist Program, Kaufman has participated in music festivals in Verbier, Norfolk, Kneisel, Sarasota, Kronsberg, and has played in master classes presented by Frans Helmerson, Ralph Kirshbaum, Peter Wispelwey, Miklos Penernyi, and Paul Katz.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and established in 1946 by the U.S. Congress, the Fulbright Program is an international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide. Named after Senator J. William Fulbright and charged with a mission of “fostering leadership, learning and empathy between cultures,” this highly selective program provides students with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. The awards cover tuition and expenses.
# # #