The William Warfield Legacy Award is presented to recognize and honor leadership, achievement and the distinguished service of individuals or organizations who:
Contribute to the development of African-American students who aspire to a career in classical vocal performance;
And/or who honor and promote the life and legacy of William Warfield.
George Shirley is our third recipient and is the epitome of what this award represents. George accomplished a lot of firsts: He was The first African American to be assigned to a high school teaching position in vocal music in Detroit The first African-American member of the United States Army...
Teryle and William Watson are our 2nd award recipients. Their decades of dedication to music and mentorship are remarkable examples of the legacy William Warfield has left us. Teryle Thomas Watson was born in Brooklyn, New York and began her formal training at the Juilliard School of Music at age...
On Sunday, January 13, 2019 at our 42nd William Warfield Benefit Scholarship Concert, we launched our William Warfield Legacy Awards Program with a tribute to Paul J. Burgett. Paul Burgett was involved with UR for 54 years as a student, musician, scholar, teacher, and University leader. By the time of...
