MTSU recently approved the first-ever songwriting degree under its Recording Industry Management program and one Murfreesboro musician is establishing its first scholarship to honor a young boy whose memory is close to the heart of many locals.
As drummer for The Last Straw, John Salaway met Silas Rock Botner, son of the band’s keyboardist, Adam. Having a five-year-old daughter himself, Salaway understands the delicate balance of chasing one’s dreams and raising a family.
He would often lift young Silas onto his stool, put the sticks in his hands and watch as he happily pounded away at the skins.
The children would dance and play together at the band’s rehearsals and gatherings.
Barely past his third birthday, Silas strayed outside the home of family friends. His budding mind unable to comprehend that he hadn’t yet developed the skills necessary to survive without his water wings, he slipped unseen into the backyard swimming pool.
Silas’s sweet and brief life came to an end on that August afternoon, but his plentiful spirit leaves a lasting impression on those that knew him and his kindhearted and genuine parents.
“Silas changed a lot of people, made us look closer at our own lives and relationships,” Salaway says. “He showed us all that we can’t take life for granted.”
By creating the Silas Rock Botner Memorial Scholarship, Salaway is creating a legacy.
“I want to pay tribute to him by helping others in his name. This scholarship could inspire that next great songwriter to write songs so profound that it changes lives.”
Silas’s parents, Adam and Amanda Botner, are both musically inclined and it was a mutual gift for songwriting that initially kindled the love they share.
“This is the appropriate way to memorialize him,” said Amanda, who played music, sang and took drum lessons with Silas in the womb. “He was a musical child from day one, drumming or playing on the keyboard. We sang together every day.”
Working closely with Music Row’s ASCAP chapter, MTSU will choose each year’s finalists based on transcripts, essays and original recordings.
The Botners, along with DefKat Music, will choose the winners and it’s a task they hold dear to their hearts.
“I definitely want to be close to them, really get to know the finalists,” Adam said. “We want it to be someone deserving who will use the scholarship to its fullest potential.”
John envisions the scholarship “bringing light to the family in a dark time.”
“This is starting local, though it can have global effects. MTSU brings students from all over the world and Silas can help cultivate that talent,” he said.
But first they’re going to need your help Murfreesboro.
The Last Straw will play a benefit show with Angela Ammons and Mike Anderson the night of Saturday, Oct. 6, at Bluesboro with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the scholarship fund. Another benefit featuring SkyHi, Ethan Swim and The Last Straw is planned for Nov. 2 at Wall Street.
For more information or to make a donation online, go to at myspace.com/silasrockbotnerscholarship.
