Appleton East senior Spencer Hornung auditions for a scholarship from the Miller Family Music Education Scholarship Fund within the Community Foundation.

By Jill Muthig, donor services and scholarship manager

Each year the Community Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to students pursuing their academic dreams. One of the scholarships we award on an annual basis is the Miller Family Music Education Scholarship, a fund within the Community Foundation.

The award amount is up to $25,000 a year for up to four years, making the total award amount of up to $100,000. It is given to a graduating senior who resides in the Fox Cities or Door County, and who is pursuing a bachelor degree in music education or performance. As this is a significant scholarship, we hold auditions and interviews for those who are under consideration:

This generous donor prefers to remain anonymous, so the students audition before a committee of individuals who have a background in music and/or music education. One of the committee members represents the donor. This year auditions were held at the Refuge Foundation for the Arts in Appleton. It was a chilly April morning and the heat had gone out in the building. The five students were undaunted and all incredibly talented.

We typically give out one award, and sometimes two. This year was a very special year, as we had the task of choosing between three outstanding top contenders.

Jonathan Bass, a senior from Interlochen Arts Academy in Door County, shares his dreams for music education.

One of the students, Jonathan Bass from Interlochen Arts Academy in Door County, played the piano. It was just absolutely breathtaking.

Addie Jo Lambrecht of Neenah High School played the violin beautifully. She captured the hearts of all of our committee members she did just an amazing job.

Spencer Hornung from Appleton East High School sang several songs. He was captivating and very talented.

A difficult decision

Our selection committee was having a difficult time deciding which student should get the second scholarship. Our donor representative left the room to call the donor. The donor agreed to award three scholarships this year, which is the first time that has happened! So all three of the audition finalists will receive $100,000 toward their tuition and will be able to pursue a career in music!

Addie Jo, Spencer and Jonathan are all so amazingly talented, and they all have a heart for passing on their passion for music to other students. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the future!

Through the generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students from 60 schools. Interested in starting a scholarship fund? We’re here to help! Learn more.