Music in the Mountains
Youth Ambassador Scholarships
The Music in the Mountains Youth Ambassador Scholarship program, sponsored by Bank of Colorado, is an opportunity for selected students in grades 9-12 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.
Sponsored by:
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 (July 11, 2023)
- Help promote music education within La Plata County schools and the community at large
Meet Our 2023 Youth Ambassador Scholarship Recipients!
Katelyn Bowie
Senior | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano, voice, clarinet
“I have been involved in music since I was 8 years old when I
had my first piano lesson. One of my favorite things in the world is singing and being able to carry my voice throughout a room and share it with others. I love how piano is complex and
how I can find community in the instrument and bond over
music because of it.
I want to go into the field of music or performing arts. A
scholarship such as this will prepare me for a more rigorous college experience, and as always, just teach me more never-ending knowledge about music and all of the instruments I create art with.”
Katelyn is also a recipient of the 2023 Juilliard Extension Scholarship Award
AUDREY CUTHBERTSON
Freshman | Durango High School
Instrument: Flute
“Just over a year ago I moved to Durango with my family after many years of traveling around the world. My mom played flute in 7th grade and had kept her flute from when she played. As a child, it was the most fascinating contraption ever to me.
Music gives me confidence, it provides comfort and a sense of place and knowing when my fingers can touch the keys and that they will never change. I believe that this experience will enhance my skills and pick on areas I need to improve. I want to learn the skills, tips, and tricks that can make me a better player so I can have the opportunity to play in college. I want to be able to show people that age has no influence on my skill level and I can do hard things.”
GRACE MCCRADY
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Flute
“Music has always been a cornerstone of my life, and I can remember singing and listening to music constantly throughout my childhood. When I got to middle school this curiosity of instruments led me to be interested in the flute.
Music and the music community have shaped me into who I am today: a confident player who isn’t afraid to make mistakes, and
encourages others to do the same. This scholarship will help me improve my abilities greatly and will give me a chance to help other people experience the music community the way I do. I want others to realize how impactful and important playing music is, and I want to encourage them to persist even through the difficult times.”
Grace is also a recipient of the 2023 Juilliard Extension Scholarship Award
PIPER MOREHOUSE
Junior | Durango High School
Instrument: Viola
“The first time I heard classical music, I knew it would be a part of my life forever. Music, like all other arts, is what ties us to our humanity. We created instruments to mimic the human voice to convey what we couldn’t with words. Music has helped me not only find myself but understand the world. I know I will incorporate music throughout my entire life in some shape or form as I continue learning and growing.
With this scholarship, I hope to impart this love of music to others and build the musical community. Musical exposure is crucial to education for all people young and old. Given the chance to be an ambassador for music, I hope to share the privilege of this wonderful world and continue to learn more about it myself.”
DENNY WOODS
Freshman | Durango High School
Instrument: Piano and guitar
“My musical journey began with an acoustic guitar and quickly progressed to include other instruments.
As a multi-instrumentalist, I enjoy channeling my musical knowledge through different instruments, but my primary instruments are the piano and guitar. While I love playing in recitals, I also enjoy composing and have created a new piece each year. Currently, I’m working on a waltz that I hope to complete this year.
I am committed to creating a life full of music. I will use this scholarship to continue my pursuit of musical knowledge, artistic expression, and creativity. Music is an essential part of my life, and I really do love to perform!”