Music teachers award scholarships to top students

The Kalispell Area Music Teachers Association recently awarded eight scholarships to local music students.

Scholarships are awarded to students of association teachers to attend music camps, to major or minor in music at college, or to pursue graduate studies in music.

Scholarship winners were selected by the association’s Scholarship Committee based on their excellence in a recorded musical audition and a written application. Scholarship money primarily is raised through donations by community sponsors.

The winners are:

Paul Bruce, a voice student of Suzanne Rohrbach, received a scholarship to attend Flathead Lake Music Camp and a Graduating Senior Scholarship to attend the University of Montana.

Lucas Cole and Autumn Ploot, both violin students of Joan Renne, received scholarships to attend Camp Festival Amadeus.

Madison Wambeke, a piano student of Michelle Van Allen, received a scholarship to attend the University of Montana Piano Camp.

Alesha Hartley, a piano student of Jan Hoffman, received a Graduating Senior Scholarship to attend Pensacola Christian College.

Nathan Connell, a former piano student of Maryruth Fallon, was awarded a Continuing College Scholarship to continue his education at Morehead State University.

Jacqueline Fallon, a former flute student of Beth Pirrie, received a Graduate Studies Scholarship to attend Central Washington University.

The Kalispell Area Music Teachers Association, begun in 1977, is an organization of music educators throughout the Flathead Valley who meet regularly to provide mutual professional support for each other and promote music through their various programs and activities.

The association provides a variety of activities for students, including recitals, the annual Scholarship Alumni Concert and annual Vocal Festival, Spring Music Festival, advancement programs and scholarships. It is an affiliate of the Montana State and National Music Teachers associations.