Nina Simone became my artistic muse when I first heard her music as a new college student exploring singers in the early '90s. I was stunned by her mysterious, dark voice, her incredible piano playing, and absolutely compelling story. She made great music, sure, but more than that, she committed to using that music to "reflect the times" of the 1960s in ways that helped people come to terms with the heartache, the love, the pain, the anger, the fire and passion within themselves.

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I want to inspire that same fire in my students and the community, so it is with that spirit that I have created the Nina Simone: Music In Action Scholarship* for students musicians who hope to use music to transform their community. I am pleased to announce that we have selected two recipients of the scholarship currently enrolled at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA who presented a video audition of their music and video essay of their plans for the scholarship funds.

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Aitional escouces on Nina Simone:

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*This scholaship is not affiliate with the Nina Simone family o estate.