March was an exciting and busy month in the Advancement department, with Music for All’s National Festival as the center of it all. This was my first National Festival I have attended, and the musicality and energy of all the participants blew me away. This event overflowed with talent, thrill, and passion for music. It was fantastic to see this talent celebrated and awarded during the Gala Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. One award that the Advancement team was especially excited to present was the William D. Revelli Scholarship.
The Music for All Foundation, formerly known as The Revelli Foundation and established in honor of Dr. William D. Revelli, has a longstanding history of awarding scholarships to future music educators. Dr. Revelli’s legacy continues to live through the many students who benefit from the scholarships. The $1,000 William D. Revelli Scholarship is a one-time award, and it honors a student performing at the Music for All National Festival. This scholarship is named after a talented and renowned educator. At the time of his death in 1994, at the age of 92, he was regarded as one of the great music educators and band conductors of the century. During his long career, he had received every honor and accolade imaginable. With a name of a legacy, this scholarship is truly an honor.
Of the many applicants, one stood out. She demonstrates exemplary leadership skills, work ethic, and musical talents and is truly invested in her high school music program and strives to be a servant leader among her peers. This year’s winner is Leah Warman from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama.
We were moved by her compelling scholarship essay that ended with important advice that we all follow: “I have a secret: music is not about what other people want or who is better than another, but about what you feel. If it makes you feel good, then that is justification enough. Always remember this.”
Music for All scholarships, like the Revelli Scholarship, are awarded annually at Music for All events throughout the year. These scholarships are possible due to the generous support and donations from those who wish to help Music for All be a catalyst to ensure that every child across America has access and opportunity to participate in active music-making in his or her scholastic environment.
You can learn more about all Music for All scholarships opportunities, how to apply, and especially, how you can support them by visiting our scholarship page at https://www.musicforall.org/resources/scholarships.
