Fred Wilkins and Richard W. Bosse Flute Scholarship
James Pellerite, former flute professor at the Jacobs School of Music, established the Fred Wilkins and Richard W. Bosse Flute Scholarship to honor both individuals.
Fred Wilkins was solo flutist of the "Voice of Firestone" on radio and television, the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, New York City Ballet, and the New York City Opera. He also taught flute at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and Teachers College (NYC). His reputation as a dedicated teacher attracted many talented students who distinguished themselves as performers including Herbie Mann, Paul Horn, Murray Panitz, Byron Hester, and James J. Pellerite, himself.
Richard W. Bosse, President and CEO of the Artley Flute Co. in Elkhart, Indiana, established himself as a pioneer in flute manufacturing. Bosse joined Artley in 1953 as a part-time auditor and assumed control of the company two years later when Don Artley, then President, passed away.
In 1957, Frederick Wilkins joined Artley as Vice President and Educational Director. Wilkins' program has been described as one of the most successful endeavors to inspire students to further their study of the flute. Artley clinics and masterclasses conducted by Wilkins and other eminent flutists influenced other flute manufacturers to launch similar programs.
In 1963, Artley moved into a new, state of the art facility for that period. Bosse's philosophy on craftsmanship as it relates to the working environment was evident in the new plant design. This was uniquely successful in bringing the Artley student flute to a level that set the bar for quality workmanship in assembly line flute making. Wilkins continued his quest for the finer flute, and his research in flute making led to the development of the Wilkins Model Flute.
In honor of these two pioneers in the flute world, the Fred Wilkins and Richard W. Bosse Flute Scholarship is awarded to flute students in the Jacobs School of Music whose musical involvements span a broad spectrum and interests may include a variety of styles such as classical, early music, jazz, or world music. The recipients of this scholarship display an innovative approach to their paths, and a passion for music education or music entrepreneurship.