Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2013
26
The TBA Board of Directors
congratulates Christina Oaks as the
recipient of the 2013 MalcolmHelm
Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
Christina Oaks is a student at
Texas Tech University pursuing
bachelor’s degrees in music.
Her primary concentrations are
in music education and flute
performance. Prior to her studies
at Texas Tech, Christina attended
Cooper High School in Abilene.
During her four years there,
Christina was actively involved in
a variety of musical activities and
achieved a high level of academics.
She was a four-year member of
the top wind ensemble at Cooper,
a four-year member of the All-
Region Band, a two-year member
of the All-Region Orchestra, and
advanced to the Texas State Solo
and Ensemble Competition four
years consecutively. Her junior
year, she received first place at
the Abilene Philharmonic Young
Artist Scholarship Competition, a
contest involving young musicians
throughout the Big Country
area. Christina fulfilled various
leadership roles for the band such
as flute section leader, drum major,
and principal flutist of the wind
ensemble. Academically, Christina
excelled in various areas. She was
one of the top 25 graduates of her
class, a member of the National
Honor Society for three years,
became a member of the 1800 Club
due to her SAT test scores, and was
recognized as an AP Scholar.
At Texas Tech, Christina has
continued her trend of high
academic achievements. She has
consistently been listed on either
the Dean’s List or President’s list
each semester and was inducted
into the Phi Kappa Phi honor
society. Her musical involvement
has flourished throughout her
collegiate experience as well.
Christina has been a member of
the Texas Tech flute choir, the
Goin’ Band from Raiderland,
the Symphonic Band, and the
Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She
has had the opportunity to serve
in numerous leadership positions
for the Goin’ Band including visual
instructor, piccolo section leader,
vice president, assistant drum
major, and is currently one of the
head drum majors. In addition,
she has taken an active educational
role by serving as a flute instructor
and marching technician in various
schools in the Lubbock area.
Christina will graduate in May
2014. Upon graduation, Christina
wishes to become a band director
at either the middle or high school
level as well as maintain an active
private flute studio. Her ultimate
desire is to reach and teach
students in order to allow them to
have a deeper love for and better
understanding of music.
Malcolm Helm Scholarship Winner
Malcolm Helm was a friend and colleague to many band directors and students. Long after becoming ill, he continued to serve his
beloved profession tirelessly with the same uncompromising commitment to service and excellence exhibited throughout an illustrious 23-
year career. To honor his memory, the Texas Bandmasters Association’s Executive Board established the Malcolm Helm Memorial Endowed
Scholarship to be supported by an endowment funded by donations from friends and colleagues. The recipients of this scholarship are
outstanding undergraduate wind or percussion players who are majoring in music education at a Texas public or private college or university.
Tax-deductible donations of any amount to the Malcolm Helm Endowed Scholarship Fund are invited and welcomed. During a time of
escalating costs in higher education, TBA has the opportunity as an association to assist talented, promising college students as they prepare
for the teaching profession. For those wishing to make a donation, simply send your check or money order to Texas Bandmasters Association,
1002 Central Parkway South, San Antonio, Texas 78232. There is an acknowledgement form available to honor someone with your donation
on a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or just to say a special thank you. For information on how to apply for the Malcolm Helm scholarship, visit
the TBA web site www.texasbandmasters.org.