Letter of Recomendation from Lauren Earley

Lauren Earley, Marlow's teacher writes the following:

"To whom it may concern:

I am pleased to write to you on behalf of my current student Marlow Buckner, who is applying for the Ruth T. Bedford Scholarship for the Arts. Marlow is currently in my TV Studio class at Westland Middle School and is without a doubt one of our most valuable team members.

Our class is responsible for planning, creating, and putting on a live morning show called ‘Wake Up Westland’ that airs every Friday morning. Marlow has exceled at and carried out all of the production roles for our show. Not only is she a leader on our broadcast team but Marlow goes over and beyond to make sure her teams work is done and ready to go each week.

Marlow has mastered both on screen and behind the scenes work in class. She uses her bright personality as a star anchor where she writes relatable and entertaining scripts for the show. I always know I can rely on Marlow to deliver our schools news in a way that is professional and exciting to all students. Marlow has also written, storyboarded, produced, and directed many short films for our show.

When it comes to behind the scenes work, Marlow is our teams go to girl. She knows how to use the studio equipment to carry out all camera operating, editing, and audio positions. Marlow’s passion shines as she helps others when they have questions or need mentoring.

Marlow has many wonderful skills and personality traits but above all her dedication and strong work ethic makes her stand out above most middle school students. Marlow comes in during her lunch period to work on the show and to set up the studio for broadcast each week. She does this on her own without a teacher asking her to. My other students look up to Marlow and know they can come to her with all of their questions.

As you can see, the positive things I have to say about Marlow could go on and on. I hope that you will consider her scholarship application strongly because she truly is a special girl and would be an amazing addition to your program.

Sincerely,

Lauren Earley"

Letter of Recomendation from Marlow's Director

To whom it may concern:

This letter is to highly recommend Marlow Buckner.

It has been a pleasure to have directed Marlow in several productions, the latest being the DC CAP Talent Scholarship Gala, mounted at the Kennedy Center. Marlow was featured in a medley which paid tribute to outstanding America musicals. She was amazing!

Marlow was and is a dream to work with. She takes direction extremely well. Not only is she talented she's very committed to given her best in all she does. She's academically strong, and works hard to perfect her vocal and acting skills.

Marlow is respected by her peers and teachers. She always exhibits a team spirit and love for the arts.

I know she will learn volumes from you program, and you'll find her to be all of what I have stated and more.

Thanks for the opportunity to express my high regards and admiration for Marlow Buckner.

Sincerely,

Sherion Cosby,
Maryland Education Theatre Board Member,
Drama Director Northwest High School

Marlow's Letter

It is with hope and faith that I ask you to consider me as a recipient of the Ruth T. Bedford ’32 Merit Scholarship for the Arts.

I remember when I was just six years old, sitting in an auditorium, shifting back and forth in my seat as little kids do.  All of a sudden the lights lowered and a spotlight shined on the stage.  The actors entered and beautiful voices began to sing.  At that moment, something touched me and I felt a sense of joy.  As a few minutes passed, my Mom asked me “are you okay, why are you crying?”  I didn’t realize tears were streaming down my cheeks.

I was attending my first musical, The Dream Girls at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and right then and there I said to my mom THIS is what I want to do.  This began my determined journey and passion for the performing arts.

The thrill of performing is a driving force for me.  The stage is a place where I can re-create aspects of myself (that are not always on the surface) through singing, acting, directing, and writing. 
Singing is an outlet for me.  I sing all the time, either songs I know, jingles, or things I make up just for fun.  Last spring, I auditioned for the National Children’s Chorus.  I didn’t know what to expect as it was the first time I had auditioned for something this big.  I thought to myself, “this is going to be very difficult, I’ve never auditioned at this level before.”  I was so nervous, not sure if I could handle it.  But before I could doubt myself anymore, my name was called…MARLOW BUCKNER.  I immediately rose from my chair.  It felt as if I were floating on air.  Show time!  I took a deep breath and walked to the platform in front of a beautiful cherry-wood grand piano.  The Artistic Director & CEO of the National Children’s Chorus, Luke McEndarfer, was personally doing the auditions.  He asked what I would be singing.  Leading up to audition, I had ideas of what I would do, what song I might perform, but nothing felt right.  At that very moment, I decided to sing a cappella.  I opened my mouth to sing, and the music came flowing out of me.  I was accepted into the chorus and it confirmed to me that the performing arts are my calling, my outlet, my hope, and my journey.
The performing arts are not the only areas in which I thrive.  I also believe in the importance of a diverse education and an engaging environment that includes science, math and technology.  Attending a high school that recognizes the importance of STEAM is important to me.

Being a recipient of the Ruth T. Bedford ’32 Merit Scholarship for the Arts will allow me to follow my dreams, while financially helping my mom, making it possible for me to attend the high school of my dreams, Foxcroft.

Marlow's Resume

OBJECTIVE:
To be a part of a high school community that appreciates academic equity, excellence and diversity, which emphasis STEAM; as well, an environment that allows me to be able to spread my wings and be the best I can be for myself and also for society.
To be a recipient of the Ruth T. Bedford Merit Scholorship for the Arts.

INTERESTS: 
Leadership, Academic Equity, Education, Performing Arts, TV Production, Science, Math, Friendships, Swimming, Equestrian

SKILLS:
Creative, Dependable, Honest, Trustworthy, Loyal, Middle Years Program International Baccalaureate Traits (reflective, open minded, risk taker, caring, balanced, knowledgeable, enquirer, communicator, principled. thinker) Singing, Dancing, Acting, Writing, TV Production

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/PERFORMANCES:

• 101 Dalmatians, Lead role-Dalmatian age 4 
• Ballet, ages 3, 4, 5, 6 
• One Man Show, Lead Role, age 6 
• Seussical, Who Person/Featured Singer, age 9 
• The Wizard of OZ, Munchkin, Lead/Actor - Jitterbug/Lead Dancer - Soldier, Support/Singer, age 10 
• Adventure Theater, Joust/Lead, age 10 
• Somerset Elementary School Anchor, Daily TV Morning Program, age 10 
• Westland Middle School Choir, age 11
• Night at the Wax Museum, Pirate/Support, age 11 
• Shrek Jr., Story Teller, age 11 DC Caps – Kennedy Center, age 11 
• Duke Ellington School of the Arts – Summer Vocal Intensive Program, age 11 
• Westland Women’s Choir, ages 12,13 Westland Chamber Choir, age 12 
• Shakespeare – Mid Summer Nights Dream, age 12 
• Westland Middle School - Wake UP Westland - Weekly Morning TV SHOW, ages 12,13 
• Duke Ellington School of the Arts – Summer Theater Intensive Program, age 12 
• National Children’s Chorus, age 13 
• Lincoln Center New York – National Children’s Chorus, age 13 

2018 UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

• FEBRUARY - Kennedy Center – National Children’s Chorus, age 13 
• APRIL - Carnegie Hall (2 Performances) Westland Middle School Chorus and National Children’s Chorus, age 13 
• MAY - Westland Middle School Spring Musical – Auditions pending, age 13 
• JULY - International Tour – Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, National Children’s Chorus, age 13

Letter of Recommendation from The National Children's Chorus

Jenni Dunn, Marlow's middle school music teacher at Christ Episcopal School and the Associate Conductor of the National Children's Chorus, writes: "I am writing this letter in support of Marlow Buckner for admission to Foxcroft school and consideration for the Ruth T. Bedford Scholorship for the Arts. I have worked with Marlow independently through private voice instruction with the National Children's Chorus in Washington D.C. for the past few months and feel that she would be an excellent candidate both for your school and for this prestigious scholarship.

During the time that we have worked together, Marlow has demonstrated a true commitment to discovering and refining her vocal ability and showed consistent improvement from lesson to lesson. This, coupled with her naturally pleasant tone, makes for a student with considerable potential. Out of all of my students, Marlow stands out as one who is dedicated to working on her craft outside the studio and is actively working on new concepts. Independant of her musical capabilities, Marlow has a sweet and amicable disposition which makes each lesson a delight.

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Marlow Buckner as a candidate for your school.

Sincerely,

Jenni Dunn
Middle School Music Teacher, Christ Episcopal School and Associate Conductor, National Children's Chorus"