Friends and colleagues of a late Troy choral lecturer have begun a new choral music education scholarship to honor her memory.
Laura Aaron Mixon was known as someone who made a deep impact on those around her, whether it be her colleagues, friends, or the countless number of students she taught throughout Alabama.
Mixon was both a vocalist and pianist who served as a lecturer of music at Troy University along with several of Alabama’s high schools. She also served as a music leader at a few of Alabama’s churches.
“Mrs. Mixon was my first collegiate choir director,” said Professor Carlton Copeland, lecturer of music. “I had never been in a traditional choral ensemble before, and I was amazed by how well she kept everyone engaged during each rehearsal.
“She was among the first to inspire me to pursue music education.”
In early May, years after being directed by Mixon, Copeland found out he would become the director of Collegiate Singers – a title that Mixon held when he first joined the ensemble during his freshman year at Troy University.
“She passed away shortly before I knew I would be directing the Collegiate Singers,” Copeland said. “She was the first person I wanted to call when I found out.”
The Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Scholarship seeks to honor Mixon and aid students on the Troy campus pursuing a degree in choral music education. Recipients are required to be either a Junior or Senior as well as have and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Dr. Diane Orlofsky, professor emerita, graduate music education program coordinator and advisor, taught Mixon as both an undergraduate and graduate student.
“We were personally very close, so I wanted to spearhead this effort to honor her memory and her legacy,” Orlofsky said.
Applicants must also portray a dedication to advancing choral music education and spreading light and love through the choral arts.
One $1000 scholarship or two $500 scholarships will be rewarded annually, depending on the number of qualified applicants. The scholarship is open for applications and will remain open until August 30.
Choral music education students interested can apply through the Troy University scholarship portal.
“I cannot think of a better way to honor Laura’s life than to help generations of future choral music educators,” said Dr. Scott Sexton, assistant professor of music education.
“Though her legacy and influence will live on in the thousands of choristers that she taught, this scholarship will help thousands of more students through the form of helping a future choral music educator and their journey to become a teacher.”
Mixon’s friends and colleagues are currently asking for donations to keep growing the scholarship fund to continue to support Troy students in choral music education.
Donors can donate by going to donate.troy.edu/giving-search and typing Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Choral Scholarship in the fund description search bar.
“To know Laura Aaron Mixon was to love her,” Copeland said. “She was a music educator who inspired many to love fiercely, sing with intention, and always strive to be their best.
“A donation to the Laura Aaron Mixon Memorial Scholarship Fund will not only keep Laura’s legacy alive but also inspire musicians to live up to the standards to which Laura Mixon held herself and those she taught and loved.”
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