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Music Scholarship Winners - Bloomington-Normal

Thirteen student musicians in grades 8 through 11 performed before a panel of distinguished judges at the Bloomington–Normal auditions, presenting a wide range of instruments and repertoire with advanced technical skill, thoughtful interpretation, and impressive artistic maturity. The caliber of performance was so uniformly high that the scholarship committee made the unusual decision to expand the number of awards — from the customary framework to six recipients — in order to honor the exceptional musicianship on display.

Special recognition is due to Logan Campbell, Head of the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music, for his leadership in organizing IWU's sponsorship of this event, and to the members of the Scholarship Committee: Chair Laurie Burke, Marilyn Mertz, Anita Carney, Yuwen Jin, Lynda Lane, and Peggy Hundley.

Bloomington–Normal Guild scholarship funds may be used for private music lessons or summer music camps.

Awarded by the Illinois Symphony Guild of Bloomington-Normal in 2026

First Place $1,000

Seraphina Tippet, Violin
Performed Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, 1st movement and cadenza

Marilyn Mertz Honorary Scholarship Award

Second Place $800

Hoyt Carter, Alto Saxophone
Performed Maurice: Tableau de Provence, 2nd and 5th movements

Carol & Gerry Chrisman Honorary Scholarship Award

Second Place $800

Elaine Ding, Piano
Performed Beethoven: Sonata Op. 2, No. 1, 1st movement

Brenda Azinger Memorial Scholarship Award

Second Place $800

Aria Kim, Viola
Performed Forsyth: Viola Concerto in G minor, 1st movement

Deanna Frautschi & Alan Bedell Honorary Scholarship Award

Third Place $600

Joanne Jo, Flute
Performed Poulenc: Flute Sonata

Third Place $600

Audrey Kirchner, Cello
Performed Bach: Unaccompanied Suite No. 1, 1st movement

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