Murray Burnstine Outstanding Student Scholarship
About the Scholarship
MetWinds has been offering a music scholarship since 2007 and recently it was named in honor of our long time member, Murray Burnstine, after his passing in 2023. The scholarship is now funded by one of two substantial bequests that Murray gave to local music organizations, including MetWinds. We are deeply grateful for Murray's thoughtfulness and generosity. The scholarship is given to students that are accepted and enrolled in college as a music major starting in the September. Any area of music concentration is acceptable, however, we have a special perference for music education majors.
To apply, the following materials are required:
- A completed application form.
- A personal letter answering,
What factors contributed to your decision to major in music?
- A letter of recommendation from your high school music teacher or private lesson teacher.
Application Materials should be submitted to scholarship@metwinds.org
About Murray
Murray Burnstine was a member of MetWinds for 43 years (alto saxophone 1980-2000 and bass clarinet from 2000-2023). Murray loved making connections with band members. When he learned that a member enjoyed fishing, he would bring fishing magazines to rehearsal each week and talk about fishing. He gave one of his cherished wood planes to a member who enjoyed woodworking. Another MetWinds member was a music therapist so Murray brought her the research his team had submitted to patent a folding cane that he had invented. He also invented a beeping basketball for blind players and a typewriter that would type Braille and English letters. He worked with the Perkins School for the Blind to help their students navigate crowded environments. As part of his work as an automobile accident investigator, he recommended the shoulder part of the automobile seatbelt which soon became standard.
While Murray’s work days were totally focused on using his talents to improve the lives of others, his evenings and weekends were filled with music. At one time or another he belonged to: MetWinds, North Shore Philharmonic, Melrose Symphony, Woburn City Band, Middlesex Concert Band, the Roma Band, The Concord Band, Salem State Band, the Riverside Renaissance Swing Band, and numerous other musical groups as a pit musician. He also led a saxophone quartet named The Eight Thumbs! Music clearly resonated deep in his heart as he was often seen volunteering at instrument petting zoos, helping young children discover the magic of making music. Murray’s last public performance was on Veterans Day 2022, in Peabody with the Riverside Band. Even when he was unable to play anymore, he asked about news of his musical friends and their activities.