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Announcing the 2024-2025 Roman Andrew Borek Scholar

Around the Conservatory

Announcing the 2024-2025 Roman Andrew Borek Scholar

PCM and the Fine Arts Club of Pasadena are proud to announce current high school senior, Arturo Solanzo, as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship. Arturo has studied guitar at PCM under the guidance of Adam Pettit since 2014 and has participated in guitar chamber music and masterclasses with Artist-Teacher Scott Tennant and Douglas Lora.

At age 16, Arturo won first place in the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County and recently came in second place at last year’s CalASTA competition. He’s also participated in the Herbie Hancock Jazz Program at Eagle Rock High School as well as studying jazz on his own. As a personal project in his sophomore year, he built a custom electric guitar that he still plays on! Though he’s often very busy with academics and extracurriculars, he always makes time to practice guitar. He enjoys a variety of music, spanning from 90s hip-hop to Japanese jazz fusion to Spanish boleros and bossa-nova classics.

When asked about how it feels to receive this award, Arturo said “I’m grateful for the recognition! I feel honored to receive this scholarship, and I look forward to continuing playing for many years to come.”

The Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship

The Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship is an annual award funded by The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena. Each year, PCM selects the recipient – Junior or Senior high school student playing at a high level – for the scholarship, which will cover a portion of their annual tuition.

The scholarship was introduced in 2021 in tribute to Roman Borek (September 10, 1939 – December 9, 2019), one of PCM’s unsung heroes. Roman was an important behind-the-scenes volunteer for PCM for more than twenty years. He served on the PCM Advisory Council, became a trusted friend to the administration, and an invaluable volunteer, helping to facilitate countless PCM performances in private homes (Mansions and Music concerts) and other off-campus performances.

Roman was always incredibly generous with his time and resources. He was a member, officer and/or board member/Director for the following organizations: The Fine Art Club of Pasadena, MacDowell Club of Allied Arts, Gamble House, Pasadena Arts Council, English Speaking Union, Tournament of Roses, and Tanglewood Music Festival.

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