Six high school students have won full scholarships to attend the Cole Family Summer Music Festival at Southwestern College June 11-17.  

“On March 4, pianists, vocalists, and instrumentalists performed solo repertoire for a chance to win a full tuition scholarship, half tuition scholarship, or $100 tuition award to attend the 2017 Cole Family Summer Music Festival,” says Timothy Shook, chair of the Division of Performing Arts at Southwestern College.

“Twenty-six students performed in Richardson Performing Arts Center and Messenger Recital Hall.  Additionally, nine students performed for a chance to perform a concerto with the South Kansas Symphony and win one of these scholarships.”

The following students received full tuition scholarships (instructors' names in parentheses): Thomas Mondry, Wichita Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School (Bryan Miller); Briley Lewis, Maize High School (Bryan Kirk and Randy Crow); David Mathes and Abigail Dormann, Pratt High School (Brandon Wade); T.J. Ziegler, Winfield High School (Robbie Banks); and Alex Qian, Wichita Collegiate High School (Troy Fischer).  

The following students received half tuition scholarships (instructors' names in parentheses): Sam Ross and Jonathan Lee, Winfield High School (Paige Camp); Victoria Liu, Andover Central High School (Timothy Shook); Rachelann Colson, Ponca City High School (Chad Keilman); and Leah Wise, Derby High School (Wes Despain); 

The following students received $100 scholarships (instructors' names in parentheses): Riley Ziegler, Winfield High School (Robbie Banks); Zane Butler, Arkansas City High School (Chris VanGilder); Sophia Dawson, Medicine Lodge High School (Yvonne Burden); Nathan Doffing, Conway Springs High School (Dennis Kerr and Stephanie Downey); and Paige Stockard, Central Heights High School (Jonathon Garcia). 

In addition, Alex Qian was the South Kansas Symphony Concerto competition winner with Briley Lewis receiving second place and T.J. Ziegler third place. 

The Cole Family Summer Music Festival is a seven-day camp held at Southwestern College.  Campers study with college faculty while developing general musicianship and music skills in four areas of emphasis--choir, orchestra, band, and piano.  Through the generous support of musician and former Southwestern College trustee Dr. George Cole and his wife, Nanda, all students receive aid to attend, thus lowering the cost of tuition to $395 for overnight campers and $325 for day campers.  Additional scholarship aid based on need is available.  

Registration for the camp is open until May 15.  For more information go to http://www.sckans.edu/other/summer-music-festival/.