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Daniel McAllister, Jr. Wins Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

Thu, 04/09/2020 - 10:51am | By: Mike Lopinto

Daniel McAllister, Jr.Daniel McAllister, Jr., a junior music education major at The University of Southern Mississippi, was recently named the 2020 Presser Undergraduate Scholar. Selected by the music faculty guided solely by consideration of excellence and merit, this award is an honor award and the student, in his/her senior year, is to be known as a Presser Scholar. The Award includes a generous stipend to aid in continuing musical studies.

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the Deeds of Trust and Will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy. Theodore Presser (1848 – 1925) rose from humble beginnings to become a respected music teacher and publisher. Familiar with the many challenges facing musicians, he established The Presser Foundation which supports music performance and education through undergraduate and graduate scholar awards, operating and program support for music organizations, capital grants for music building projects, and assistance to retired music teachers.

“I've known Daniel since he was a middle school euphonium player and I was excited when he chose to come to Southern Miss” said Dr. Richard Perry, Associate Professor of Music.

“I've always known what a talented musician and euphonium player he is, but what has impressed me the most about him is his leadership. From the moment he arrived on campus he has been a positive role model for my studio and a natural leader.”

Daniel’s success in music began early as he sat principal euphonium in many different ensembles and honor bands throughout middle and high school, including two of his four years in the Mississippi All-State Band. These honors extended beyond state lines as he performed in several other states including Florida and Alabama. Academics were important to him as well as he graduated from South Jones High School as ninth in his class with approximately a 4.25 GPA.

At Southern Miss, McAllister has performed in several different groups including the Wind Ensemble, the Symphonic Band, the Pride of Mississippi, the Advanced Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and a handful of other smaller student lead ensembles. He currently serves as Phi

Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s treasurer, the Golden Eagle Tuba Society’s treasurer and vice president, and manages the music education social media platforms. He has held these positions and stayed active as a student educator and musician all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA and working an average of 30 or more hours a week as an assistant manager at Firehouse Subs.

After graduation, he plans to continue his education at Florida State University where he will begin his master’s degree in either Music Education or Conducting.