Video: Maria Telesheva Interview for KEZI 9 TV News October 4, 2023

Maria Telesheva, a North Eugene High School student is one of 15 recipients of a new scholarship fund established in memory of a NEHS staff’s son. The Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant was established in honor of librarian Amary Taylor’s son that passed away in a car crash when he was 11 years old about seven years ago. In a matter of weeks, Taylor and school staff established the fund, raised more than $5,000, took in applications, and handed out 15 awards to the selected winners, one for each student who applied.

“All of the proposals reminded me of him in some way or another,” said Taylor. “There wasn’t a single one… that didn’t feel like he had a little hand in it… somehow or would at least appreciate it, if he were here still.”

The grants allowed students to pursue a passion project this summer, ranging from a summer academy program with The New York Times to a youth search and rescue program. Maria Teleshev, who seeks to pursue her dream of a career as a musician received an Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant scholarship. “One of the most important things in life is to pursue your dream,” Maria said. “I have been told many times in life when I was younger that music is just a hobby… and it might be for some people… but for me I truly believe I can have a career… in music.”

Maria, a sophomore, is already a well known accordion player and spent part of her summer creating a music video thanks to the scholarship. She has been playing since she was six years old, having been taught by her father, Sergei. Maria said she practices daily. “I travel all around the United States, we travel a lot here in the northwest,” Maria said. “And I’ve traveled internationally as well… over to Canada, Russia, Mexico.”

Sergei said that his daughter’s musical roots go back to her early childhood, and she asked him to teach her how to play the accordion specifically. Sergei’s a veteran musician himself, and was first invited to the Oregon Bach Festival in 1996. The next year he was asked to play at Silva Hall, and the rest is musical history. “Music is very important to me as my job and my passion,” Sergei said. “It’s beautiful thing to do… and I’m very lucky to be able to teach my daughter to be musician as well.”

“I would like to perform everywhere,” she said. “All around the world. Whether it be small venues, big venues, I just want to spread happiness and love through music.” Maria and her father performed at the grand opening of North Eugene High School, on October 10, 2023. To donate to the Elijah Taylor Memorial Grant, visit nehsbooster.com. Read more about Maria Telesheva in the October and November www.accordionusa.com news.

AWW wishes Maria continuing successes as an accordionist, singer, and musician