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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort’s Thomas Owens received the Award for Outstanding Graduate Pianist from the University of Mississippi Department of Music at its 2021 Honors Convocation.</p>
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<p>The Outstanding Pianist Award is given in recognition of excellence in piano performance, devotion to study, and commitment to continued growth and improvement.</p>
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<p>"Department of Music awards celebrate outstanding student achievement in performance, academics, ensemble musicianship and other areas of the UM Music student experience," professor of music and chair of the department Nancy Maria Balach said. "We're proud of the accomplishments of this year's award-winners, and we're grateful for their contributions to our vibrant department."</p>
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<p>The University of Mississippi Department of Music trains future performers, music educators, and academics, and prepares them for careers in many different areas of the music profession.</p>
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