Pitchford Receives AAUW Award

Gayel Pitchford has been chosen as the recipient of AAUW's Named Gift Award for 2014. Branches that contribute $500 or more to national scholarships and grants made by American Association of University Women are entitled to give this award to a person who has promoted AAUW goals. Tehachapi Mountain Branch always donates this amount in addition to the local scholarships they award each year.

Pitchford has encouraged, promoted and taught music in this community since 1996. She is responsible for much of the growth and appreciation of music in Tehachapi. She is a co-founder of Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra and serves as its concert master. She promotes old time fiddling and is instrumental in the continuation of Fiddlin' Down the Tracks, an annual fiddle contest.

Pitchford conducts two orchestras which meet in her home. She not only volunteers to do this, but also purchases the music for the group. One orchestra is for beginners, and the other is for those a little more advanced. Both of these orchestras are composed mostly of youngsters, however, all ages are welcome. As players' skills increase, many of these orchestra members are able to play with Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra.

Several of Gayel's students have received college scholarships based on their musical ability. She is an advocate for further education and continually encourages her students to pursue their studies. Because of her dedication to teaching, encouraging, and promoting music, she has promoted AAUW goals of education and life long learning.