DeJong Memorial Music Scholarship Award 2023.
Recipient – Lionel Muzeyi, Grade 12 – Class of 2023
Lionel Muzeyi has been learning the saxophone for the last six years. He
has proved himself as a much dedicated and hardworking student who tried his best to master various aspects of saxophone playing. Lionel has achieved a distinction in the grade 3 practical examination conducted by the Royal Schools of Music London- ABRSM and has scored one of the highest marks in the region. He is currently preparing for the grade six level. He has performed regularly in the assemblies and in the concerts. Lionel also leads the Saxophone quartet, playing the Baritone saxophone and has performed in different venues. He has a good level of mastery on the piano having passed the grade 5 ABRSM exam. Lionel has also proved his skills on the Guitar by passing the grade 4 ABRSM exam and also the Voice grade 4 and Music Theory grade 5 of the ABRSM. He has been a member of the school band since the sixth grade and has performed in several concerts outside the school for the music field trips. At present Lionel is a member of the advanced band and participates willingly in the different concerts. He has been an integral part of
the worship in the Chapel, leading the hymns for the worship and performing preludes and offertory music. Lionel has shown his talent in music in the wider community outside the school by performing in the various clubs and restaurants in Kodaikanal.
Personal Statement from Lionel
Music has always been an integral part of my life. My father is a music teacher teaching a plethora of instruments. His passion for music is something he held since he himself was a child and it was always his dream to become a musician. However, growing up in the ’80s in a conservative household his dreams were heavily discouraged. Despite all the odds my dad was able to pursue his passion for music often having no mentor. He began teaching music in international schools around the world and that was how I ended up at KIS. His inspiring story is why I hold music up to such a high standard.
As time went on music was something ingrained in me. When I was 11, I was good enough to sometimes accompany my dad with some of his gigs acting as a backup singer or guitarist. By the time I was in 9th grade, I had reached ABRSM certification in Guitar(Grade 4) Piano (Grade 5) Music Theory (Grade 5)Voice(Grade 4) and Saxophone (Grade 3). Throughout my entire time in high-school even during the Covid-19 pandemic and online learning I have been able to showcase my talents in music whether it be in assemblies, chapel services or concerts.
Although I plan to major in Business, music will still play a crucial role in my life.
This year I plan on undergoing my grade 6 ABRSM exams and I plan to use the money from this scholarship to buy my own personal saxophone as well as to support my aspirations in obtaining a diploma in the saxophone.
Thank you for this opportunity to follow my dreams.
Lionel Muzeyi,
Grade 12, Class of 2023
The Keith and Marcine DeJong Music Legacy is supported through KFI’s Keith DeJong Music Award and Scholarship Fund.
