The Dr. Henry Wing Memorial Scholarship

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The Rockingham Choral Society has selected Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Senior Tessa Tenasco as the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Henry Wing Memorial Music Scholarship. 

The scholarship is named in honor of former music director Dr. Henry Wing, who served as the Artistic Director and conductor of the choral society for 30 years. Among his many achievements, he instituted a policy of choosing the vocal soloists from the membership and hiring the best orchestral players from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, including faculty and students from the UNH Music Department. 

Scholarship winner and Raymond resident Tessa Tenasco has participated in music in a variety of ways throughout her youth. Learning clarinet in middle school inspired her to transfer to a school with more musical opportunities. In addition to being a member of the Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Concert Band and Pop Band as a clarinetist, and the Jazz Ensemble as an alto saxophonist, Tenasco is a Soprano in the school’s chorus. She was selected for the All State Chorus the past two years and is part of Coe-Brown Northwood Academy’s invitation-only Honors Treble Chorus. 

Tenasco is an award-winning vocalist, having been named a top three finisher at the New England Music Festival over the last three consecutive years. This year, she was awarded 1st place in the New England Voice Championship and 2ndplace in the Billboard/Contemporary/Jazz 16 & over category. She also plays guitar, piano and ukulele. 

“When I was little, I had always dreamed of working within the music industry to become a professional singer,” said Tenasco. “For me music began as a hobby. From there it became a passion in my life, something that I engage in on a daily basis. That passion then grew to become a major career goal in my life.”

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Tenasco is a member of the National English Honor Society and the French National Honor Society.

Tenasco plans to attend the University of Hartford in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Music with a focus on vocal performance. 

“The selection committee was impressed by Tessa’s depth of experience both as a vocalist and a musician,” said Charlie Smith, RCS President. “The society is proud to be able to support Tessa’s ambitions to pursue music in her post-secondary education.” 

We recognize that some folks who would like to sing with us may find dues and even the cost of music a challenge so RCS has a history of providing member scholarships making it possible for them to participate in the choir. We also have a policy of no dues to all High School and full time college students.

This year we were able to set aside and provide free Christmas concert tickets to the community to distribute to those who might not otherwise be able to attend. If you are someone who is with an organization that might benefit from this program , please write to us at the email below.