Weaverville Student Receives Robertson Award from Mars Hill University

September 1, 2017

Brett Anderson of Weaverville, North Carolina, was presented the Joe Chris and Donna N. Robertson Award at Mars Hill University’s senior convocation. The Robertson Award recognizes a graduating senior in the fine arts with a strong commitment to his or her chosen field, promise in the fine arts, and demonstrated service to the arts, Mars Hill University, and the community.

Anderson graduated in December with a degree in music education. Teresa Sumpter, chair of the university’s music department, calls him a “virtuoso” on the euphonium, and says his “commitment to excellence in performance and the classroom is a role model for other students.” He sat first chair in the university’s wind symphony throughout his Mars Hill career, and often was selected as a soloist, including at his commencement ceremony. Anderson also played electric bass in the university’s wind symphony and served in leadership roles as a counselor at the annual Mars Hill University Summer Music Camp.

The Joe Chris and Donna N. Robertson Award is given in memory of Joe Chris Robertson, who taught at Mars Hill for four decades (1951-1991) and was chair of the music department, and in honor of Donna N. Robertson, former college organist and retired associate professor of music.