Nicole Blumenstein

Bachelor in Vocal Performance student Nicole Blumenstein of the School of Music was recently awarded the Joan Frazer Memorial Award for Judaism and the Arts at ASU. Blumenstein received the award after founding Jury's Out: Music Students for the Community, a service organization that gives undergraduate School of Music students the opportunity to play recitals for elderly and often isolated residents at senior living facilities.

Blumenstein was inspired to create Jury's Out while doing an internship with a local hospice, where she noticed how music brought a positive outlook to patients. Jury's Out gives music students the opportunity to practice their stage presence and perfect their jury pieces, and it is a chance for them to also give back to the community.

The $1,500 prize for this award, combined with $500 from ASU's Undergraduate Student Government, will go to fund these high caliber recitals put on by students. Two recitals have been planned for this semester: Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m. at Friendship Village Assisted Living Facility, 2645 E. Southern Ave. in Tempe, and Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at Fellowship Square Senior Living, 6945 E. Main St. in Mesa.