2020 Scholarship Recipients

Volkwein Memorial Scholarship

Ellie Anderson is a native of Alberta, Canada currently completing her Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting at Georgia State University. Prior to beginning her Masters degree, she was a band director at Onoway Jr./Sr. High School for 6 years. Ellie has been an active conductor and clarinetist through her professional career, and was awarded the Keith Mann Young Band Director Award in 2017 by the Alberta Band Association. She plans to return to public school teaching in Alberta after finishing her degree, using her increased skills and knowledge to build stronger band programs in the Province. Regarding her future plans, Ellie stated, "I plan to return to secondary school teaching upon the completion of my degree. I am excited to contribute to the profession by (1) presenting at provincial music conferences, (2) programming works by lesser-known composers, and (3) collaborating with other music educators to provide unique and meaningful opportunities for my students. My long-term goals include serving the Alberta band community through (1) the creation of a new youth wind band program in Edmonton, Alberta, and (2) running for a service position within the Alberta Band Association."

Ladies of the Podium

Lauren Hill is a saxophone player in her fourth year of study at Western Michigan University (WMU), where she is majoring in Music Education, and Minoring in Nonprofit Leadership. She has been a leader and advocate for music education throughout her degree. Lauren served as Drum major for the Bronco Marching Band, has been active in expanding the scope and membership of the cNAfME chapter at WMU, and was elected to be President-Elect/President of the Collegiate Executive Board for the Michigan Music Education Association. Lauren is passionate about using all resources available and bringing communities together to strengthen music programs in public schools My future plan is to become a middle or high school band director, and use both my major and minor degrees as a way to fuse together instrumental music, teaching, and advocacy for education and the arts.

Martha Ann Stark Memorial Scholarship

Tiffany Cox is a trombonist who has been teaching music in Palm Beach County since 2012. While teaching, she has completed a masters degree, and is working toward her PhD at Florida Atlantic University. A few of Tiffanys recent accolades include being awarded the Florida Bandmasters Association Tom Bishop Award, and a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music Education Award. Tiffany is dedicated to advocating for women in instrumental music, the focus of her dissertation. Based on her  research, she said, I have found definitive evidence that women in instrumental music - specifically wind bands - suffer higher levels of marginalization than their vocal and orchestral sisters. My research also showed that the oppression of women in the band profession is rooted in patriarchal traditions that stem from military brass bands of the 19th century.  My goal is to present, write, speak, and educate male and female band directors so that we can start to dismantle the antiquated traditions that permeate our curriculum, our instruction, and our ensembles. With education and advocacy, I plan to teach directors how to avoid gender-stereotypes in their classrooms and how to promote a positive and encouraging space for all students - regardless of race, class, or gender.

Charlotte Plummer Owen Scholarship

Isabelle Puckett is a horn player, in her fourth year of study as a music education major at the University of Akron. She decided she wanted to study music education and become a band director as a senior in high school, and had the support of her high school band  directors in preparing for and gaining acceptance into a music program. Isabelles goals are to pass on that love of music and support to the next generation of students. She wrote, My goal, no matter where I end up, is to be the band director my students need me to be Every student is a good music teacher away from being a great musician, and I know I can be that music teacher. Along with being an active horn player on campus and in the Akron area, Isabelle is a proud member of the Ohio National Guard.

Helen May Butler Scholarship

Lauratu Bah is a saxophonist in her second year of studying music education and jazz studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. In her short college career, Lauratu has already shown a dedication to professional development, musical growth, and improving the field of wind bands and jazz bands. As a first-generation student, she recognizes and seizes all opportunities possible, including taking on leadership roles in Sigma Alpha Iota and her collegiate NAfME chapter. She is committed to empowering women in concert and jazz bands, serving as a mentor to young women at the Athena Virtual Academy. One of her recommenders wrote, What continuously impresses me about Lauratu is her unwavering commitment to standing up for what she believes. She is passionate about social justice and inclusivity. Lauratu challenges the status quo of music education, engaging in important conversations about access, representation, and philosophy. Furthermore, she has placed herself in positions of influence to make these conversations actionable.