By Lookout Staff

April 12, 2011 -- Santa Monica's Emeritus College reached across the generations this month, giving a local high school musician a $500 scholarship.

Haley Hill, a Santa Monica High School senior who plays saxophone in the Emeritus College Band, was the first recipient of the Bridges to the Future Scholarship Award. The award was a gift of an anonymous donor.

“We’re really excited about this new scholarship because it’s a really good way to build a bridge to the high schools,” said Ron Furuyama, associate dean of Emeritus College.

“Many of our Emeritus students are grandparents and they want to make sure their grandchildren have a bright future,” Furuyama said.

Haley Hill, with Emeritus College Concert Band Director Mike Corrigan, is the recipient of the first Bridges to the Future Scholarship Award from Emeritus College. Photo courtesy of Emeritus College.

“She’s a great student, hardworking and reliable,” said Mike Corrigan, director of the Emeritus College Band.

“I was lucky to have her in the Emeritus Band. Hopefully, she had enough fun that other high school students will want to play in the Emeritus Band.”

In addition to performing with the Emeritus College Band, Hill plays with the Santa Monica High School Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Jazz Band and plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall as a humanities major and religion minor.

She calls her experience with the Emeritus band, which features seniors and younger players, “a great experience and privilege.”

“We play a lot of challenging music,” Hill said. “'Candide' and 'Miller Mood' have, by far, been the most difficult. The exposure to this music has really forced me to become a better musician.

“I also love playing with people who have more experience than me,” Hill added. “Everyone in the Emeritus Band has been really kind and supportive. They've encouraged me to become a better player and to keep up my music.”

Established in 1975, Emeritus College offers classes and special programs to older adults, serving more than 3,400 students per semester.