News

 Erica Tipton, a junior French horn music performance major from Cleveland, Tenn., was announced as the recipient of Lee University’s 2013-2014 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award at the 2013 Honor Recital.

Tipton attended Cleveland High School and began her studies at Lee in the fall of 2010. She is currently involved in the Lee University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. David Holsinger, and the Lee University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Artist in Residence Robert Bernhardt.

Tipton participated in the 2013 Lee University Honor Recital and was also selected to participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate Band at the Tennessee Music Education Association’s 2013 conference. In the past, Tipton played for two Lee University Opera Theatre productions, “The Gondoliers” and “The Marriage of Figaro.”

“I was completely surprised and honored to receive this award,” said Tipton. “It was a wonderful recital of great music from everyone, and this recognition made it an even more incredible night.”

Outside of her Lee involvements, Tipton has had the opportunity to play with the Chattanooga Symphony and the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra. She played for Chattanooga Christian School’s production of “Bye-Bye Birdie” and for Cleveland High School’s productions of “Guys and Dolls and South Pacific.”

Tipton is a founding member of Tempus Brass, a brass quintet of area musicians who recently won the Giddings and Webster Quintet Competition. The members of Tempus Brass have performed together at local venues, notably as a part of the “Music in the Air” chamber music concert at Lee Day 2013.

Tipton studies with Gordon James, principal horn of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.

The Presser Foundation, established by music publisher Theodore Presser, is dedicated solely to the support of music and music education. With its Undergraduate Scholar Award, the Pennsylvania-based foundation recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in music performance at accredited colleges and universities across the country.

As the 2013-14 Presser Scholar, Tipton will receive a cash stipend for her upcoming senior year.

Presser Undergraduate Scholar Awards are distributed to a number of accredited institutions throughout America. Past recipients at Lee University include Matthew Wilkinson (2012), Lamprini Lindeman (2011), Christopher Oglesby (2010), Sabbath Ward (2009), Rachael Skidmore (2008), Michael Land (2007), Brooke Upton (2006), Troy Strand (2005), Rachel Ogle Laney (2004), Amy Shallenberger (2003), Brian Shaw (2002), RaeAnna Hooper (2001), and Jeffrey Jewsome (2000).