Published 9/3/2025

Equipping the Next Generation of Local Musicians

How do you keep local music going and support blossoming musicians? You give out scholarships to help pay for their training and instruments.

The Lake Bonisteel Music Association is accepting applications for several scholarships. The winners will be announced at the BlueChiliGrass Festival on September 27, 2025.

Gary Sargent Memorial Music Scholarship Program

The local music association has funding available from the Gary Sargent Memorial Music Scholarship Program. Mr. Sargent played fiddle, bass, mandolin, and many other instruments, and loved traditional American music. He died in 2010 at the age of 57 from ALS.

Student Scholarships

Scholarships will be awarded to two students between the ages of 6 and 16. The scholarships will pay for 12 weeks of private music lessons. They will also award $200 to go toward a new instrument or upkeep, or a currently owned instrument. According to their application, “Lessons are limited to instruments taught by an approved instructor and are subject to change. Lessons can be taken in person or virtually. Virtual lessons are available at any Guitar Center in the country. Recipient will need secure travel to and from their lessons.”

The application can be found here: Student Scholarships.

School Band Programs are Eligible

They also offer three scholarships to school band programs. The $500 scholarships are awarded to enhance the programs at local schools. The application needs to be filled out by the band instructor and can be found here: Band Scholarships.

Applications need to be submitted soon. Winners will be announced on September 27, 2025.

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com