The NFA is thrilled to announce that the 2024 First Generation in College Scholarship has been awarded to Cameron McGill.

"I am both honored and blessed to be this year's recipient of the First Generation Scholarship,” says McGill, a student at Florida State University (FSU). “Even though I come from an underprivileged music community and grew up with limited resources, my passion for flute will always be stronger than any obstacle I face. Even so, I still could not have done this without the unwavering assistance from my teachers, Dr. Karen Large and Dr. Mary Matthews. Overall, thanks to the NFA's utmost support and contributions from their generous award, my aspirations of teaching and performing music will soundly forge onward, which I'll always be grateful for."

The First Generation in College Scholarship is a merit-based, one-time monetary award to be applied toward flute tuition, educational fees, or any other related expenses including but not limited to housing, meals, travel, or educational materials. In addition, the awardee will enjoy one-on-one career mentorship sessions with a member of the NFA Career and Artistic Development Committee during the 2024-25 academic year.

“I am thrilled that this year’s First Generation in College Scholarship will go to Cameron McGill, who stands out as an extremely dedicated student and Flutist,” says Jammie Phillips, who coordinated this year’s application process. “Cameron has a story to tell through his music, and I am so thankful that the NFA is able to fulfill its mission through dedicated students like Cameron, who is very deserving of this scholarship.”

"Thank you, NFA, for supporting Cameron McGill as your 2024 First Gen Scholarship Awardee,” says Dr. Karen Large, one of Cameron’s teachers at FSU. “This award will further expose this promising young flutist to the wide world of flute and will help him realize his dreams!"

Dr. Mary Matthews, another of Cameron’s teachers at FSU, writes that "Cameron is a diligent student, committed musician, and budding flute pedagogue, and I cannot wait to see the inspiration he finds while attending the NFA convention in San Antonio!"

The First Generation in College Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from Julie Maisel in memory of John Raphael (Raphy) Doyle. To learn more about the scholarship and meet past recipients, visit nfaonline.org/firstgen

About Cameron McGill

Cameron McGill (he/him) is a rising senior at Florida State Univ. (FSU) majoring in flute performance for a BM, under the tutelage of Dr. Karen Large and Dr. Mary Matthews. His previous teachers include Irene Pruzan and Dr. Adrienne Read. Growing up in Orlando, FL, Cameron has participated in the University of Central Florida Flute Summer Camp, led by Dr. Nora Lee Garcia; the Youth Band of Orlando, led by Dr. Tremon Kizer; Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble's Flute Choir; the Metropolitan Area Youth Orchestras; and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras. In 2022-2023, Cameron was a co-fundraising officer for the Flute Association at FSU. He played 2nd flute/piccolo in the FSU University Symphony Orchestra, and has previously held positions as 3rd flute/piccolo in the University Philharmonia and principal flutist in the Wind Ensemble. Cameron also plays alto flute in the NFA 2024 Collegiate Flute Choir. His most memorable experience so far is playing in the orchestra pit of the "Cunning Little Vixen" at FSU. Back at home, he is a frequent member of the Florida Flute Association and has a passion for flute pedagogy. Outside of music, Cameron is an avid pet lover that works at PetSmart, and loves to read and exercise in his free time.