The Jazz Association of Macon has awarded Marc Whitten Memorial Music Scholarships to two area students.

Nicholas Bradley is a first-year student at Mercer University. He plans to major in Engineering, but he has a passion for music. Nicholas plays in the Mercer marching band and jazz ensemble. He will use his scholarship to improve his drum set for performances and recording.

Drew Bragg is a student at Mossy Creek Middle School in Kathleen. He plays the tenor saxophone in the seventh grade band and the jazz band. Drew enjoys sitting in to play with his father in the Jon Joiner Jazz Quintet. He will use his scholarship to upgrade his sax mouthpiece.

The scholarship is in memory of Marc Whitten, an artist and musician who suffered from Crohn’s disease and died in 2018 at age 44. The scholarship is available to area middle and high school and college students who demonstrate a love for and commitment to music through their school band or chorus.

“We created this scholarship as a tribute to Marc’s love of music and music education,” said Whitten’s parents, Rick and Sue. “Our goals are to help recipients enhance their understanding and appreciation of music and to honor the short life of Marc Whitten.”