(APRIL 15) The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the formation of the Basie Center Scholar program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide multi-year support for dedicated high school performing artists. As part of the Basie Center’s Forever For Everyone endowment campaign, this scholarship will empower talented students with financial and educational resources to help them thrive in their artistic journeys.

Marel Hidalgo, a 16-year-old jazz guitarist from Neptune, has been named the first Basie Center Scholar. Hidalgo has been part of the Basie Center community since 2018, when he performed at a Red Bank Primary School assembly. Since then, he has honed his craft through classical guitar lessons, ensembles, and performance groups, ultimately finding his artistic voice in jazz. Most recently, Hidalgo performed at Josh Groban’s Find Your Light Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center, an event supported by Basie Center board member Fran Turner and her husband, Paul.

“Marel is an extraordinary talent, and we are honored to support his continued growth and success,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “The Basie Center Scholar program gives us the chance to support the highest level of talent in our student community, regardless of financial background.”

“Being named as the first Basie Center Scholar is not only an immense honor to me, but it is also a statement of the Basie Center’s mission and commitment to their vision for the future of arts education and the diverse community they are serving,” said Hidalgo. “This scholarship will enable me to continue my current studies at the Basie Center, as well as providing me with extra funds for my first year of college education. This support means a lot, and I am thankful to the Count Basie Center for the Arts for being a part of my growth as a musician for many years.”

The Basie Center Scholar program is designed to identify and uplift students who demonstrate both exceptional passion and commitment to the arts. Through this initiative:

• Scholars will receive multi-year support throughout high school (grades 9-12), covering classes, lessons, instrument and equipment purchases, and more.
• Upon graduation, each Basie Scholar will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship to support their first year of college.
• The selection process is open to all high school students (including rising 8th graders entering high school) enrolled at the Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts

“The Count Basie Center for the Arts recognizes that financial challenges can stand in the way of a young artist’s development,” said Jeremy Grunin, Chairperson of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees.

“With the Basie Center Scholar program, we are making a long-term commitment to ensuring that students like Marel have every opportunity to flourish.”

The Count Basie Center for the Arts plans to expand the program by awarding a total of five Basie Center Scholar scholarships through the Forever For Everyone endowment campaign, reinforcing its commitment to removing economic barriers and supporting arts education for generations to come.

Applications are now being accepted for the next Basie Center Scholar. Details and the application are available at www.thebasie.org/scholarships.

“The Basie Center Scholar program ensures talent meets opportunity.” said Samantha Giustiniani, Vice President of Education & Outreach at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “The Count Basie Center of the Arts is proud to support Marel in providing the education and experience to practice his craft and continue his journey in the arts, and we look forward to extending this opportunity to other students as part of this program.”