Music Funds
Total funds: 38
ISU String Project
The String Project restricted fund provides support activities, programs and operations associated with this program.
M. A. Reeves Music Research
Marjorie A. Reeves graduated from ISNU in 1945. She made a bequest in her will to establish a research scholarship fund in the school of music for students interested in music for handicapped children. Any student enrolled in the school of music at ISU who is interested in doing research in the area of music for handicapped children may apply for the scholarship. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Marjorie A. Reeves graduated from ISNU in 1945. She made a bequest in her will to establish a research scholarship fund in the school of music for students interested in music for handicapped children. Any student enrolled in the school of music at ISU who is interested in doing research in the area of music for handicapped children may apply for the scholarship.
Peithman Music Scholarship
In 1976 Harlan W. Peithman established a fund in the ISU Foundation which has since grown into a fully endowed scholarship in the field of music. Students applying for the Peithman Scholarship must be an upper-division music student (junior or senior), have at least a 3.0/4.0 grade point average, and have demonstrated special academic merit and/or special need (assuming other criteria are met). Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. In 1976 Harlan W. Peithman established a fund in the ISU Foundation which has since grown into a fully endowed scholarship in the field of music. Students applying for the Peithman Scholarship must be an upper-division music student (junior or senior), have at least a 3.0/4.0 grade point average, and have demonstrated special academic merit and/or special need (assuming other criteria are met).
Helen Merris Restricted Music Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established by Donna Merris '61 in honor of her mother, Helen Frohwitter Merris. Helen was born in Bluffs on January 9, 1911. She married Donald Merris in 1928. They owned land and farmed around Bluffs, where they raised five children. As a young girl, Helen studied piano with a noted teacher in Hannibal, Missouri and traveled by train to her lessons. She played the piano for silent movies in the Bluffs Theater, was pianist for the Bluffs Methodist Church, and taught piano lessons to at least three generations of Bluffs area students. Donna is a distinguished musician herself. She was the first female student director of the annual musical of this university. She was a teacher, conductor, performer, director of music education, a lawyer and a judge in New York City. She maintains a lifetime commitment to music and the arts. It is her intention that this scholarship be awarded annually to a deserving student in the School of Music.
Civic Chorale Expendable Fund
The Civic Chorale Expendable Fund provides immediate support for the activities, programs and operations, including director salary and stipends, instrumentalists, guest artists, venues, programs and program notes, and other expenses necessary to support the Civic Chorale ensemble in the School of Music at Illinois.
Civic Chorale Excellence Fund Endowment
The Civic Chorale Excellence Fund Endowment was established in 2017 by Edward and Judith Hines to ensure future support for the activities, programs, and operations associated with the Civic Chorale ensemble in the School of Music at Illinois State University. The income generated from the endowment will support the Civic Chorale activities, programs, and operations or may be reinvested back into the fund.
School of Music General Fund
The School of Music General Fund supports many activities, programs, and operations associated within the School of Music program, including supporting student initiatives, guest clinicians, and faculty professional development; obtaining specialized instruments and equipment; and providing additional student scholarships.
Additionally Supports: Bedford Chamber Music, IFMC, Music - String Scholarship, NFMC Orpheus Music Club Scholarship
Charles Bolen Music Faculty Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1992 by Charles Bolen, professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Fine Arts at ISU. The scholarship is awarded to a current music major who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to the department in addition to good musicianship and scholarship. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Charles Bolen Music Faculty Scholarship was established in 1992 by Charles Bolen, professor emeritus and former dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts at ISU. The scholarship is awarded to a current music major who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service to the department in addition to good musicianship and scholarship.
Patty Foltz Memorial Fund
The Patty Foltz Memorial Fund was established as a student support fund that will help cover incidental expenses related to performances or recitals not otherwise covered by tuition and required as part of course or degree completion requirements.
Professor Russell B. Bedford Scholarship in Music
The Professor Russell B. Bedford Scholarship in Music was established in 2017 by Russell and Janet Bedford to provide financial assistance to a student in bassoon or oboe who had either declared a music major or an intention to declare a major in music performance or music education. Preference is given to incoming freshman or transfer students.
Herminia Alvarez de La Rosa and Virginia Valdés Listrom Music Scholarship
The Herminia Alvarez de la Rosa and Virginia Valdés Listrom Music Scholarship supports an incoming or current undergraduate student majoring in music. Both talented pianists whose families immigrated to the United States from Cuba and Mexico, Herminia's and Virginia's interest and joy in making and sharing music has been passed on to their children and grandchildren. The scholarship was established in 2021 to honor their memory.
Charles Stokes Music Scholarship
In 2018, Professor Emeritus Charles Stokes established a scholarship to provided financial assistance for students with demonstrated musical ability and achievement. A trombonist and jazz pianist, Professor Stokes was recognized by his peers and students for outstanding teaching in the areas of theory and musicianship. Awarded to a student (undergraduate or graduate) that has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled in good standing in the School of Music. The scholarship will be a renewable annual award. The Charles Stokes Music Scholarship was established in 2017 by emerita faculty Charles Stokes. Charlie was a beloved faculty member who taught in the School of Music for more than 30 years. He was highly respected by faculty and students as a musician and teacher. The purpose of the scholarship is to help support a student in the School of Music at Illinois State University.
Jason Royal Music Scholarship
The Jason Royal Music Scholarship was established in 2021 an an expendable fund to support a student enrolled in the School of Music. Preference given to a student with demonstrated financial need.
Alycia and Hans Fuchs Scholarship
This endowment was established in 2000 by Helmuth Fuchs in memory of his parents. The scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in music who has demonstrated strong academic achievement. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was established in 2000 by Helmuth Fuchs in memory of his parents. The scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in music who has demonstrated strong academic achievement.
Dr. Lloyd W. Farlee Memorial Scholarship in the School of Music
Colleen Farlee established the Lloyd W. Farlee Memorial Scholarship in the School of Music in memory of her husband in July 2008. Each candidate for the Lloyd W. Farlee Memorial Scholarship in the School of Music must be or have a student that has been accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at ISU, planning to or majoring in the School of Music with an applied emphasis in voice and a major in either music education or music theater at ISU, and exhibit outstanding merit as a music student. The award is to be used for educational and/or housing expenses. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. The Dr. Lloyd W. Farlee Memorial Scholarship was created with a purpose to award an ISU student in good standing who has exhibited outstanding merit in the School of Music and is majoring in either Music Education or Musical Theatre with an applied emphasis on voice. Preference will be given to a student who has exhibited outstanding merit in Men's Glee.
Barbara G. Wiltberger Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1984 in memory of Barbara Wiltberger, a 1973 graduate of Illinois State University, by her parents, Richard and Grace Wiltberger. The scholarship is awarded to a new or continuing music student with a special interest in voice. Preference will be given to females in the treble or concert choir. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Barbara G. Wiltberger Scholarship was established in 1984 in memory of Barbara Wiltberger, a 1973 graduate of Illinois State University, by her parents, Richard and Grace Wiltberger. The scholarship is awarded to a new or continuing music student in a major choral ensemble who primarily sing soprano or alto.
Illinois State University Bands
The Illinois State University Bands Fund supports the activities, programs and operations associated with the School of Music Band program.
John J. Ireland Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1968 at the death of John J. Ireland, using the proceeds of a trust established by John Ireland. In 1982 the fund reached the endowed level, and a scholarship was established at the recommendation of Ireland’s niece. The scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior student, majoring in music, with preference given to those with a strong interest in opera. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The John J. Ireland Scholarship was established in 1968 at the death of John J. Ireland, using the proceeds of a trust established by John Ireland. In 1982 the fund reached the endowed level, and a scholarship was established at the recommendation of Ireland's niece. The scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior student, majoring in music, with preference given to those with a strong interest in opera.
Illinois State University Bands Scholarship
The Illinois State University Bands Scholarship was established in 2019. The scholarship supports students who are majoring in music, enrolled in applied lessons on scholarship instruments(s), and perform in up to two ensembles, including a band on their primary instrument.
John R. Hansing Memorial Scholarship
This endowment was established in 2001 by Dr. Frank D. Hansing in memory of his brother John R. Hansing, a 1938 graduate of Illinois State Normal University. The scholarship is awarded to a freshman student majoring in music, with preference to a student with a string concentration. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. This endowment was established in 2001 by Dr. Frank D. Hansing in memory of his brother John R. Hansing, a 1938 graduate of Illinois State Normal University. The scholarship is awarded to a freshman student majoring in music, with preference to a student with a string concentration.
Robert Fred Kern Scholarship
The Robert Fred Kern Scholarship was established in 2021 through an estate gift following the passing of Dr. Robert F. Kern. The scholarship provides support for a music education student whose major instrument is piano. Dr. Kern graduated with a bachelors degree in music from Illinois State in 1966. He was named as an honored alumnus for the School of Music in 2010 and inducted in to the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2012, he served as the commencement speaker and considered this opportunity as one of the more pivotal times in his life.
Lloyd and Eleanor Fengel Scholarship
Each candidate for the Lloyd and Eleanor Fengel Scholarship must be enrolled in good standing at ISU; demonstrate strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; currently be enrolled in the music education program, or accepted in the program as an incoming student; and exhibit exceptional promise in music and a strong commitment to a career in music education. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Lloyd and Eleanor Fengel Scholarship was established in 1997 by Lloyd Fengel. Lloyd attended Illinois State graduating with a Music Education degree in 1942. The scholarship supports a student enrolled in good standing who demonstrates strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Student must be enrolled in the music education program, or accepted in the program as an incoming student and exhibit exceptional promise in music and a strong commitment to a career in music education.
Illinois State University School of Music String Project Scholarship
The Illinois State University School of Music String Project Scholarship was established in 2020 to provide financial support for string students who demonstrate a passion for teaching.
Bernard Eichen Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1992 by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of violin professor Bernard Eichen. The scholarship is awarded to “the most promising” violin student. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Bernard Eichen Scholarship was established in 1992 by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of violin professor Bernard Eichen. The scholarship is awarded to "the most promising" violin student.
Grand-Puba-Tuba Low Brass Fund
Ed Livingston taught at ISU from 1968-1997 and served as director of bands from 1977-1984. Ed built the 90-member band into the 454-member Big Red Marching Machine, which held a record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Ed was honored during Homecoming 2007 for being the first director of the Big Red Marching Machine. Each candidate for an Erin Ann Livingston Tuba Scholarship and the Samantha Marie Livingston Euphonium Scholarship must be or have: accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at ISU; outstanding musical achievement, as evidenced by School of Music admission audition or through outstanding performance in studio and ensemble; music major or minor; enrolled in Tuba-Euphonium Studio; full-time student; and use the scholarship for educational expenses, tuition, and fees, housing, books, and classroom materials. Assets of this endowment are invested in the ISU Endowment Investment Pool. Ed Livingston taught at ISU from 1968-1997 and served as director of bands from 1977-1984. Ed built the 90-member band into the 454-member Big Red Marching Machine, which held a record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Ed was honored during Homecoming 2007 for being the first director of the Big Red Marching Machine. Each candidate for an Erin Ann Livingston Tuba Scholarship and the Samantha Marie Livingston Euphonium Scholarship must be or have: accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at ISU; outstanding musical achievement, as evidenced by School of Music admission audition or through outstanding performance in studio and ensemble; music major or minor; enrolled in Tuba-Euphonium Studio; full-time student; and use the scholarship for educational expenses, tuition, and fees, housing, books, and classroom materials.
James Major and Amy Gilreath Music Scholarship
This fund was established in 2007 by Amy Gilreath, an accomplished and internationally recognized trumpet performer and professor of music at Illinois State University, and James Major, Dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, who has had a distinguished career in music and music education spanning four decades. Each candidate must be accepted or enrolled at Illinois State, be engaged as a student in trumpet as a declared music major or by having indicated an intention to declare a major in music, and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
The Paul Andziewicz Back-a-Bird Scholarship Fund
The Paul Andziewicz Back-a-Bird Scholarship Fund was established by Paul Andziewicz in order to provide support to students in the Big Red Marching Machine.
Valdés Family Accompanist Scholarship Fund
The Valdés Family Accompanist Scholarship Fund was established by Rochelle La Rosa and Craig Valdés to honor the memory and legacy of Rafael and Simona Valdés and the Valdés children who studied music and whose interest and joy in making and sharing music has been passed on to their children and grandchildren.
John Ferrell Endowed Scholarship for Madrigal Singers
This endowment was established in 2003 by John and Audrey Ferrell to recognize a talented member of the madrigal singers. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has been a respected member of the madrigals for at least one year, and demonstrated exceptional talent in vocal music and leadership among peers. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The John Ferrell Endowed Scholarship for Madrigal Singers fund was established in 2003 by John and Audrey Ferrell to recognize a talented member of the madrigal singers. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has been a respected member of the madrigals for at least one year, and demonstrated exceptional talent in vocal music and leadership among peers.
Mary Jo Brown Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1990 by Betty Robertson in memory of her sister, Mary Jo Brown. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior music major who has demonstrated outstanding service to the department, as well as exceptional musical talent. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. The Mary Jo Brown Scholarship was established in 1990 by Betty Robertson in memory of her sister, Mary Jo Brown. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior music major who has demonstrated outstanding service to the department, as well as exceptional musical talent.
Music Scholarship Fund
The School of Music Scholarship Fund was opened in 1982 as a general scholarship fund for students in the School of Music.
Additionally Supports: Hope (Mosier) Scholarship, IFMC Golden Lyre Scholarship, NFMC Orpheus Scholarship, Presser Scholarship, Roque Cordero Music Award, School of Music Foundation Scholarship
Robert C. and Susan Lee Walling Music Education Scholarship
The Robert C. and Susan Lee Walling Music Education Scholarship was established in 2016 by Bob and Susan Walling. The purpose of this award is to help a future music teacher/performer learn important career skills through both music and campus leadership and involvement. Qualified applicants must demonstrate academic and personal achievement with specific requirements determined annually by the School of Music based on its recruiting and retention priorities. Preference will be given to a student with financial need.
Daniel Rinkenberger Scholarship for School of Music
The Daniel Rinkenberger Scholarship for School of Music was established by Daniel Rinkenberger in order to support students studying within the School of Music at Illinois State University.
Florence B. Runyan & Benny Kemp Endowed Music Scholarship
Florence B. Runyan, ISNU Class of 1907, made a bequest in her will and gave $5,000 to her alma mater. The gift was unrestricted, but Florence Runyan had special interests in music and nutrition. Two scholarships were therefore established, one in music and one in home economics-nutrition. The student must have a 3.0 or higher grade point average (based on 4.0 system). The student must have special skills and talents in their respective field of music or home economics. Assets of this endowment are invested in the Illinois State University Endowment Investment Pool. Florence Runyan, ISNU Class of 1907, provided a gift through her estate to support music scholarships at Illinois State University. Ms. Runyan passed away in 1978. The Benny Kemp Music Scholarship was established in 1978 following his death. The scholarship was funded through gifts by faculty, family and friends made in his honor. The Florence Runyan and Benny Kemp Endowed Music Scholarship was established in 2016 by combining the fund balances. The scholarship will provide financial support to students majoring in music at Illinois State University.