Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship and award recipients! We’re thrilled to offer $9,000 to such worthy winners toward their pursuit of music. Meet the 2025 winners:
CMA Excellence in Teaching Award
Jennifer Ghelf, Waukee South Middle School
“This award provides me the opportunity to continue to grow as a choral educator in ways that enhance my singers’ experiences. One way I plan to use this scholarship is to learn ways to incorporate technology in my classroom in a very intentional and purposeful way with online professional development courses. I am also going to attend the Midwest Regional ACDA Conference: “Reflections of Us” which will be February 25-28, 2025 in Milwaukee, WI. This conference has a focus on using our diverse traditions and experiences to create a community of singers that celebrates each other through the music they share with their communities.”
CMA Young Artist Scholarship Recipients
1st Place High School: Andrew Wilson, Waukee High School
“It’s such an honor to receive this award from the Civic Music Association. It means a lot to be recognized by people in the field. This recognition will serve as an important credential on my early composition resumé. I plan on using these funds for a composition academy, music lessons, or purchasing higher quality virtual instruments for use with composition software.”
2nd Place High School: Clara Jero, Ankeny High School
“I’m very grateful to be receiving this scholarship to help my studies in music education. Music is very important to me, and the assistance of this award will help me have the best materials necessary for entering college. I’m planning to use this award to purchase a new professional instrument.”
“I am incredibly honored to receive the CMA Young Artist Scholarship! This support will help me purchase essential percussion equipment and contribute to my college tuition. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as a performer, scholar, and educator and pursuing my passion for music.”
“The Civic Music Association Young Artist Scholarship is an incredible honor that affirms my passion for teaching and sharing the power of music. This support not only eases the financial burden of my studies but also inspires me to continue growing as a music educator. I will use this generous scholarship to further my education and gain experiences that will help me become the best music educator possible.”
Majorie Spevak Music Scholarship
High School: Mentari Yang, Waukee NW High School
