2025 Scholarship Recipients
Alana Cope Eaton Piano Scholarship Recipient
Jocelyn Tate
Recipient: Jocelyn Tate
High School: Farmington High School, Farmington, Utah
University: Brigham Young University
Jocelyn Tate has loved music as long as she can remember. She started teaching herself piano when she was eight years old, and she has been playing piano ever since. At age ten, she began teaching piano lessons so that she could share the joy of music with others. Now, she accompanies her madrigals choir and teaches six piano students. This fall, she will attend BYU and continue studying music.
“I am so sincerely grateful to you for selecting me for the Alana Cope Eaton Piano Scholarship. Because of this scholarship, I will be able to save so much time and focus on my studies rather than expenses,” says Ms. Tate. “My goals are so much more achievable with this offer. I hope that one day I can give back by helping others discover their passion for piano.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our press release announcing Jocelyn’s selection.
Betsy Wiscombe Piano Scholarship Recipient
Tyler Burrup
Recipient: Tyler Burrup
High School: Mountain Ridge High School in Herriman, UT
University: University of Utah
"My name is Tyler Burrup and I have been playing the piano for 12 years, starting at the age of 6. I grew up in a musical family and piano has always been a significant aspect of my life. I began teaching piano lessons at the age of 12 and have been teaching for the last 6 years. I am so excited to be attending the University of Utah this fall studying piano performance. I send my deepest gratitude to the Wiscombe family for the opportunity to receive this scholarship, it has made an impact on me and will continue to in years to come. Thank you so much!"
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Tyler’s selection.
CAROLYN REID OGDEN Piano Scholarship Recipient
Brighten Goold
Recipient: Brighten Goold
High School: Richfield High School, in Richfield, Utah
University: Snow College
“I have been a student of music since kindergarten when I started the violin. I soon discovered that I loved playing the piano as well. A highlight for me has been this past year as I tried something new by recording myself on the piano so that I could accompany myself on the violin. It was a challenge to put it together but I loved how immersed I became in the music as I tried to perfectly learn how the piano and violin parts fit together. I am excited to use this scholarship to further my abilities and continue to uplift those around me by sharing my talents with them as I both accompany and perform the piano. ”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Brighten’s selection.
Julie Weston Ridd Piano Scholarship Recipient
Noah Hardy
Recipient: Noah Hardy
High School: Bingham High School, South Jordan, Utah
University: University of Utah
“My name is Noah Hardy and I’ve been playing the piano for about 14 years now. I absolutely adore it, and I love making music and sharing it with others. Aside from piano, I’ve also played the saxophone for several years now and have had the opportunity to play with many amazing musicians. This fall I’ll be attending the U of U where I will continue to make music a major part of my life. I want to thank the family of Julie Weston Ridd for their generosity. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Noah’s selection.
Claudia Bigler Choral Scholarship Recipient
Sophie Riggs
Recipient: Sophie Riggs
High School: Weber High School, Pleasant View, Utah
University: Brigham Young University
Sophie Riggs is a graduate of Weber High School with highest honors where she was very involved in the choral department. She's served in many leadership positions, including Chamber Choir President and Secretary. She accompanied many choirs and friends for solo and ensemble, festivals, and concerts, and loves using her talents to serve other people. She's a Certified Sound Beginnings teacher and has taught music to many local families. Sophie will be attending BYU in the fall pursuing a degree in Music Education.
“Thank you so much for selecting me as the recipient of the Claudia Bigler Choral Scholarship! I’m very honored to receive this assistance in continuing your legacy of excellent and influential teaching.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Sophie’s selection.
CONRAD DUNN ORCHESTRA Scholarship Recipient
Bella Gillette
Recipient: Bella Gillette
High School: Snow Canyon High School, St. George, Utah
University: Brigham Young University
“My name is Bella Gillette and I'm from Ivins, Utah. At the age of seven, I begged my mom to let me take violin lessons and I have loved playing ever since! I auditioned for my first orchestra in 5th grade and since that time have had the opportunity to be Concertmaster of Snow Canyon High School Orchestra, Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Jr. High All-State Orchestra. I also played with the Utah Tech University Orchestra, High School All-State Orchestra, and Washington County Honors Orchestra. I love performing and have been a finalist for the Southwest Symphony Young Artist Competition for the past three years. I will be attending BYU in the fall and plan to major in Music. Thank you for selecting me for this scholarship.“
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Bella’s selection.
Dee Pace Theater Scholarship Recipient
Avery Kirksey
Recipient: Avery Kirksey
High School: Layton High School, Layton, Utah
University: University of Utah
“I would like to express my gratitude for selecting me to receive the Dee Pace Musical Theater Scholarship. This generous support is not only a tremendous help in continuing my education, but it also holds deep personal meaning for me, especially knowing that the scholarship honors the legacy of a theater teacher, Mr. Dee Pace.”
“As an aspiring theater educator, I feel a strong connection to the namesake of this award. To walk a path once taken by someone who dedicated their life to teaching through the arts is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds me that education and creativity can have a lasting impact, and it motivates me to carry that spirit forward in my own career.”
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Avery’s selection.
Dee Pace Theater Scholarship Recipient
Roxanne Sparling
Recipient: Roxanne Sparling
High School: Utah Arts Academy, St. George, Utah
University: University of Southern California
Roxanne Sparling is a passionate vocalist and performer known for blending raw emotion with powerful storytelling. As a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Popular Voice, she has performed on prestigious stages and worked alongside top industry professionals. She is a committed student leader and artist and strives to uplift others through music.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of your scholarship. Thank you for supporting my educational and musical journey. Your generosity means so much to me as I continue to grow as a performer and student.”
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Roxanne’s selection.
JIM FOLLETT band Scholarship Recipient
Caden Mather
Recipient: Caden Mather
High School: Corner Canyon High School, Draper, Utah
University: Yale University
"My name is Caden Mather, and I’m an incoming freshman at Yale University. I’ve played trumpet throughout all four years of high school, earning superior ratings at the state solo and ensemble festival each year. I was honored to be selected for All-State Band all four years, and served as principal trumpet of the All-State Symphony Orchestra in both my junior and senior years, as well as lead trumpet in the All-State Jazz Band my senior year. I look forward to continuing my musical journey by participating in groups like the Yale Symphony Orchestra.”
“I am extremely grateful to receive the Jim Follett Band Scholarship in honor of Mr. Follett. Music has played an incredibly important role in my life, and this scholarship motivates me to continue growing as both a musician and a person. Thank you for supporting me as I head off to Yale. I hope I am able to honor Mr. Follett as I continue my pursuits in music.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Caden’s selection.
Steve ShirtS band Scholarship Recipient
Brad Sweeney
Recipient: Brad Sweeny
High School: Carbon High School in Price, Utah
University: Southern Utah University
"My name is Brad Sweeney, and I’m from the rural city of Price, Utah. I began playing music at the age of seven and discovered my passion for the trumpet at age eleven. What started as a school activity quickly became a meaningful escape from the stress of a turbulent world. I played not just for a grade, but because I loved the instrument and the music written for it.
In high school, I earned top honors at regional and state events, including eight superior trumpet solo ratings. I held first trumpet positions in multiple honor bands, including the Rural Utah, Utah Tech University, Southern Utah University, and the All-State Wind Symphony Honor Bands. These experiences strengthened my musicianship and deepened my passion for sharing music with others.
After my LDS mission, I plan to attend Southern Utah University as a Music Major. Along with my future career, I hope to share music in the future as a private trumpet teacher and inspire others to find a love for music just as I have.”
Scholarship Amount: $500
For more information, please view our full press release announcing Brad’s selection.