Music in the Mountains
Youth Ambassador Scholarships
The Music in the Mountains Youth Ambassador Scholarship program is an opportunity for selected students to expand and enhance their musical knowledge and talent.
Selected students will act as a representative of Music in the Mountains and win a scholarship package with an estimated value of $2,000/student.
As a Music in the Mountains Youth Ambassador Scholarship recipient, students will:
- Receive a scholarship for the full cost of a weekly private music lesson for 16 weeks.
- Receive 2 free tickets to each of selected Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra and Chamber concerts
- Perform at a Music in the Mountains fundraising event during the Festival
- Help promote music education within La Plata County schools and the community at large
Meet Our 2026 Recipients!
Youth Ambassador Scholarship Recipients
Judah Azulai
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Trumpet
“Ever since the 7th grade, music and arts have been a way in which I define myself as a person. The arts (especially music) have become a part of my identity. Music has been the source of many of my greatest friendships as well as happiest moments, whether learning our marching band qualified for state or watching the renowned Count Basie Orchestra on a jazz trip.
Trumpet has opened many doors in my life that I am grateful to have experienced. If not for my private lessons, many of the opportunities I’ve been given would not have been possible. The instruction I’ve received from lessons is how I was able to progress in my musical endeavors. It was these lessons that expanded my musical horizon and truly allowed music to be a passion of mine and be able to be proud of the music I’ve put out to the world and the music I will keep making.”
Ethan Hong
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano
“After my mom and sister introduced me to piano when I was eight years old, I was hooked. I loved being able to play the pieces my sister played and figuring out how to play my favorite songs.
In high school, I auditioned for the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Durango High School Chamber Orchestra. Last year, as a ninth grader, I played my own arrangement of the 4-hand piano part to Fauré’s “Dolly Suite” with the SJSYO. I performed in the last two annual Bach Festivals on piano, harpsichord, and cello.
With my background knowledge of multiple instruments, music theory has been quick and fun to learn. I have made many of my own compositions and arrangements of songs. In the future, I would like to become a professional composer.“
Ethan is also a recipient of the 2026 Juilliard Extension Scholarship Award
Johanna Schaffer
Freshman | Classical Conversations of Durango
Instrument: Cello
“What I love most about playing the cello is the way it connects me with others, whether it is meeting people when I travel to music institutes or building a musical community in Durango. It is also rewarding to look back and see how the study of music has challenged me and caused me to grow through the years.
Through my cello studies, I have had the privilege of meeting inspiring teachers, talented musicians, and lifelong friends at music events across the country. In Durango, I love rehearsing with my string quartet and being a member of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra. I have been playing with the quartet for three years and playing with the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra for seven years. Both musical ensembles have allowed me to make musical friends and grow as a musician.
As a Youth Ambassador for Music in the Mountains, I am honored to represent the organization, perform in the community, and continue developing as an artist. ”
Denny Woods
Senior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano
“Music has been a transformative part of my life. Over the years, I have had many mentors, swim coaches, guitar teachers, and others, and none have influenced me as significantly as my piano teacher. Her teaching has challenged me, both technically and emotionally, teaching me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and artistic expression.
Being a Youth Ambassador will support my preparation for college auditions and future performances, which are essential to my development as a musician. I will be majoring in Commercial Music at Colorado Mesa University in the fall of 2026. This scholarship is an opportunity to invest in my future and reach my full potential as a pianist.
With this scholarship, I hope to inspire others with my music and represent the values of the Music in the Mountains community. This program aligns perfectly with my goals of sharing music and giving back to others through my talent.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Eligibility Guidelines
- Youth Ambassador Scholarships are awarded to students in grades 9 – 12 in a La Plata County school.
- Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students must commit to perform at the Education Gala Fundraiser on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
- Students and their families must seriously contemplate the commitment that accepting the Music in the Mountains Youth Ambassador Scholarship will be.
- Only completed applications including all required materials will be considered.
Application Guidelines
- All parts of the application must be completed and returned to Music in the Mountains, either by submitting the online form or by sending a completed paper form via email to abeach@musicinthemountains.com by Sunday, November 30, 2025, to be considered for the award.
- The application is in four parts:
- Part 1 – General Information, filled out in full, and signed by both the student and a parent or guardian
- Part 2 – A short 2 page, double spaced essay written by the student (see instructions on page 3 of application).
- Part 3 – A letter of recommendation by a music teacher (see instructions on page 3 of application).
- Part 4 – Submit an audition video 3 – 5 minutes in length. Any genre of music will be accepted.
- Application part 3 must be completed by the student’s recommending music teacher, private or in school – this part may be turned in separately from the rest of the application.
- Scholarship awards will be decided by a panel of professional musicians associated with Music in the Mountains and the Music in the Mountains Education Committee.
Nathan Newman, violin – 2024 recipient
Alex Chasse, violin – 2024 recipient
