SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
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The scholarship application deadline for Summer 2025 has passed.
We are no longer accepting applications.
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Applications for Summer 2026
will be available February 1, 2026.
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If you have additional questions about your scholarship,
please first read the answers to ​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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Then contact us at arrowbearmusicassociates@gmail.com if needed.
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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2025
It’s so difficult to decide who should receive assistance. We agonize, argue passionately for students who touch our hearts in some way, and finally reach a consensus on who gets a scholarship, and who we are unable to help. We walk a delicate line trying to balance merit with need, those who have the advantage of lessons versus those who have potential but whose parents can’t afford private lessons. The effect of two years of Zoom classes is still impacting all genres of performing arts classes, but enrollment in performing arts classes is growing and music students are progressing. There is still work to be done to achieve the pre-pandemic levels of mastery and participation for many programs. Students are eager for the musical challenge and the camaraderie that a session at camp provides. Your generosity helps make their dream of attending a summer music camp session possible.
We are excited to announce that we awarded $124,953 in scholarships to 82 of the young musicians who applied for Summer 2025. Congratulations to them all!
Morey’s Music Store Scholarship
Angelo Atendido-Santos violin
Ttki Cantu-Wang violin
David L. Schechter Scholarship
Grace Maier alto sax
Emily Silvernail euphonium
Fran Moore Scholarship
Lily Laveglia viola
Robert Simmergren Scholarship
River Cortez violin
Edward Gietzen violin
Newton & Elsie Wrench Scholarship
David Gietzen trumpet
Robert Collins Choral Scholarship
Serenity Ng soprano
Arnold & Judy Hogarth Scholarship
D'aire Logan Butler viola
Josh Cantu-Wang violin
Nina Cantu-Wang viola
Jaden Martinez baritone sax
Connor Wheeler cello
Lucas Wheeler trumpet
Raye Fairchild Scholarship
Allison Feinberg violin
Walter & Natalie Norwick Scholarship
Zachary Gerhart cello
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Herb Guthmann Scholarship
Hannah Brown trombone
Vina Mae Sippel Woodland Scholarship
Miles Reusch violin
Loren & June Collins Scholarship
Leonardo Jimenez tenor sax
Arthur & Margery Schwartz Scholarship
Phoenix Soto violin
Sigma Alpha Iota Scholarship
Ava Je oboe
Carole Ohlendorf Dockstader Scholarship
Avrie Milford flute
Suzanne & Juliette Fluchere Scholarship
Niamh Adamis cello
Ryan Chung cello
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B.T. "Ted" Mills Scholarship
Brenden Watson alto sax
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Cliff Ervin Scholarship
Wesley Johnson trumpet
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John Ervin Scholarship
Kell Malmgren trombone
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Smith Family Scholarship
Arricka Rice string bass
Eric Villicana string bass
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Myrtle Seymour Watilo Scholarship
Emma Stelzried violin ​
Brian Reynolds Scholarship
Isaac Suárez string bass
Frances J Harding Choral Scholarship
Manfred Yim tenor
Russell Miller Scholarship
Hannah Pearce bassoon
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Memorial Scholarship
Taylor Herron clarinet
Matilda Martinez clarinet
Carol Lyn Jackson Scholarship
Bodhi Thein violin
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Choral Scholarships
Emily Salazar alto
Nolen Sudduth baritone/bass
Eileen Zhu soprano
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Middle School Scholarships
Zachary Arnold alto sax
Iyanu Asiwaju violin
Ethan Contreras alto sax
Andrew Gerhart violin
Morgan Heang violin
Jeremy Jakovcic cello
Luri Lee clarinet
Elin Lu cello
Renata Raya cello
Abel M Sandoval violin
Tamara Mitrani Shafran percussion
Annalysse Sullivan viola
Posey Ussery clarinet
​Alexander Wood clarinet
High School & College Scholarships
Joseph Baldridge violin
Angie Chung violin
Grace Chung violin
Vincent Felix clarinet
Jessa Fisher trumpet
Celine Hall cello
Eishin Hiraishi viola
Colin Hobson trumpet
Avi Kenyon tenor sax
Claire Lloyd alto sax
Asher Lowery clarinet
Kaydin Lowery trombone
Sophia Morales cello
Stephanie Perteet oboe
Leah Porter clarinet
Rogelio Raya violin
Boedy Reisner tuba
Isaiah Rodriguez trumpet
Mia Romero violin
Adel J Sandoval cello
Jesus Sandoval violin
Matisse Sayada violin
Mareen Shah percussion
Nathan Sharma cello
Mari Stanton violin
Shion Svenson French horn
Sheila Villalobos violin
Olivia Walsh violin
SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS
Arrowbear Music Associates grants scholarships to any accredited instrumental or choral music camp in the United States. We do not grant scholarships to camps outside the United States. Applications are available beginning February 1 and are due in late March. For Summer 2025, we granted $124,653 in scholarships to 82 recipients. Most scholarships awarded are for one-half to three-fourths of the cost of a session. There are a limited number of full scholarships available. We grant scholarships to both choral and instrumental applicants. Recipients are chosen based on both need and merit. Nearly all of our recipients would not have been able to attend a summer music camp without financial assistance. We notify all applicants by the middle of May. Contact our Scholarship Chairperson, Laura Kusaba, at arrowbearmusicassociates@gmail.com or call her at 562-634-5158, if you still have questions after reading the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
The process includes:
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a written application
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MP3 format files of a scale and solo with or without accompaniment for instrumental applicants OR
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MP3 format files of two vocal selections (one classical and one popular selection) with or without accompaniment for choral applicants. Do NOT use MP4 video format or send a DVD
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a letter written by the applicant explaining why he or she needs a scholarship
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a recommendation letter from a private or school music teacher
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MP3 format files of the scale and solo OR two vocal selections can be sent to us in one of three ways:
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The two files can be placed on a flash drive. The flash drive must be included with the application materials.
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The two files can be emailed to us.
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The two files can be placed in Dropbox and the link can be emailed to us.
All components must be completed as explained in the directions and
postmarked by the due date to be eligible for a scholarship.
Late applications are NOT accepted for any reason.
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***Please be sure of your summer plans before you apply for a scholarship. Once awarded, scholarships are NOT transferable to another session, music camp, or person. Scholarship recipients are expected to attend their entire session without arriving late or leaving early unless there is an emergency.
Questions? No problem. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions link.
SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP
We currently have twenty-six special scholarships sponsored by individuals and businesses. These special scholarships are awarded in the sponsor's own name, the name of a loved one, or in the name of their business or organization. We are willing to work with you to create a scholarship for a specific age group, instrument, or section such as winds, brass, strings, etc. We will discuss options with you on how to fund the scholarship. Special scholarships should provide at least half of the cost of a session.
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Please contact Laura Kusaba at 562-634-5158 or by email at arrowbearmusicassociates@gmail.com if you are interested.
Pre-Intermediate Recipients 2024
Intermediate II Recipients 2024
Intermediate 1 Recipients 2024
Jazz Recipients 2024
Choral Recipients 2024
Advanced Recipients 2024
THANK YOU LETTERS - 2025
Below are some of the thank you letters we received from our scholarship recipients the last two years. Their appreciation and excitement reveal the impact your generosity has on their lives and families. They are thrilled to attend a summer music camp and spend time with other young musicians who share their passion for music.
Thank you for granting me this scholarship. I will use this scholarship gratefully and put 100% of my effort into the camp. This helps my mother and me a lot and this will most definitely not go to waste. I also thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a great musician and excel and improve on my instrument. I will forever be grateful for this, and I appreciate all the help I’ve received. I really enjoyed last year, and this year will be even better, especially when I’m able to go without worrying about the cost. I’m happy that I received this scholarship. Once again thank you so much.
You may always get letters like this, but truly there is no greater feeling than having a financial burden lifted off my shoulders. My parents are hardworking people, and to see them sigh with relief, knowing they are no longer having to worry about having to make ends meet is worth everything. Because of this scholarship, they can now focus on rent. They can now focus on groceries. They can now focus on my college fund. Mabe, just maybe, put something in their savings. We all share the same love of music, and I assure you that when I have the means to donate, I will – because no one should have to worry about finances when doing something they love.
I have to take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of my heart! As a mother who wants only the best for her child, I am so thrilled and honored that you chose my daughter! My eyes are filled with tears as I write you this note. I am at a loss for words. Thank you! We have never received anything like this, and my heart is just so very grateful!! We are forever grateful and honored. This will shape her and help her in so many ways. You have blessed us beyond measure. I am so excited to hear about all she learns at Arrowbear Music Camp. Sending you much gratitude and a hug from a very grateful mother!
Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. I couldn’t be more excited about attending camp this year! My best friend from camp has also received a scholarship, and we’ve been texting non-stop about it. I’m looking forward to the camp experience so much, with new friends, full orchestra, chamber music, and everything. Again, thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this generous gift and for giving me this opportunity. Receiving the scholarship really means a lot to me. As a musical theater student, your support helps me continue doing what I love – preparing for shows, taking voice lessons, and getting hands-on experience that helps me grow both as a performer and as a person.
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This scholarship is more than just financial help – it’s a vote of confidence in my journey. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, especially in a field like musical theater where every bit of training and experience counts. Your support gives me the chance to attend Arrowbear this summer, where I’ll be surrounded by other passionate musicians and have the space to learn, explore, and challenge myself vocally and artistically.
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Thanks again for believing in me and helping me take another step forward. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I’ll carry this experience with me as I continue to chase my passion for performing.
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the gift of the scholarship. Receiving this was a great weight taken off of my family’s shoulders and knowing I will be able to attend Arrowbear again with your help, fills me with so much excitement and joy. I feel incredibly honored to have been selected.
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Music is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express myself and connect with others, and with the opportunity to attend Arrowbear it will allow me to immerse myself in what I love and grow as a musician, with people of the same interest. Your generosity has made a significant impact, and I am deeply thankful for your belief in my potential. Thank you for helping me pursue my passion and be given the chance to create meaningful music and memories with other amazing campers.
From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank you for gifting me this scholarship to attend Arrowbear this summer! I have been in choir since 4th grade, and I am currently in 10th grade singing in my school’s Women’s Choir. Choral music means the world to me, and I feel the happiest when I’m singing meaningful music with people! I’ve heard many amazing things about this camp, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for helping me to experience the incredible things people have to say about Arrowbear for myself. I truly adore choir and connecting with people, so I am so grateful and cannot wait for this opportunity to further my choral education this summer!!
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I promise to approach any experience at Arrowbear with an open mind paired with a willingness to learn. I’ll do everything in my power to improve my technique, make friends, and hopeful create a lasting impact on myself and those around me. Thank you again.
Thank you very much for giving me this scholarship! I feel honored that I got this scholarship. I am very grateful for you giving me this gift. This is my first time going to a sleep-away camp, and I am very excited!
Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity you have given me. I have been playing the clarinet for the past four years since the start of middle school, but without a private teacher, it has been challenging for me to advance my skills as much as I would have liked.
This music camp will give me the chance to improve my technique, learn from experienced instructors and accomplished musicians, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts who share my passion. I am particularly excited to work on Advanced repertoire and performance techniques that will help me thrive in high school next year as I continue my musical journey.
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None of this would have been possible without your generous donations, and I am truly grateful for your investment in young musicians like me. I look forward to making the most of this opportunity and hope to one day give back to future students in the same way you have supported me.
Thank you so much for awarding me a scholarship. I’m incredibly grateful for your support. This opportunity means more than I can put into words. Music has always been such an important part of my life, and being able to attend Arrowbear again is truly a dream come true. Knowing I’ll get to spend time learning and growing in a place surrounded by people who are just as passionate about music as I am is beyond exciting. The scholarship lifts a huge financial burden from my family, and I’m so thankful for the generosity that makes this experience possible.
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I’m looking forward to everything the camp offers – the rehearsals, the friendships, the time in the mountains, and the chance to challenge myself. It’s not just about improving my skills; it’s also about being part of a community that encourages creativity and supports each other. Thank you again for believing in me and investing in my journey as a musician. I feel lucky and honored to be a part of Arrowbear this summer, and I can’t wait to make the most of every moment.
I want to thank you for the scholarship that was given to me to attend Arrowbear Music Camp. I am very excited to attend camp, and it is possible because of you. Your kindness is an amazing contribution to students pursuing music. I hope to one day make an impact just like you. Once again, thank you!
THANK YOU LETTERS - 2024
Thank you so much for this scholarship. It not only will help me actually attend this music camp, but it has also saved my family financially. It’s hard to express the amount of gratitude I am having and wanting to give right now. Music has been my way to escape the real world, and now I can escape the real world for a week!!!! (Sorry if that was cheesy. I’m just really happy right now.) Once again, thank you in all different ways and languages for this scholarship.
Thank you so, so, so much for this chance! I love the choral camp so much and it truly means the world to me to have this opportunity!
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I cannot just explain how it helps financially, and it makes me so ecstatic to be able to go!!
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I would love to just hug you all. I’m crying tears of joy as I write this thank you!! I’ll write to you how it goes!
I play trombone and I’m going into 9th grade. I wanted to thank you for the gift you have given me. I love to play my trombone and I love to go to band camp. I’ve been the only trombone player through middle school, so it is nice to learn with others. I would not be able to attend if not for your help. Thank you so much. It really is the highlight of my summer.
Thank I want to wholeheartedly thank you for providing me with a scholarship to attend Arrowbear Music Camp. I am extremely excited to attend Arrowbear and play in a full symphony orchestra for the first time, and your scholarship makes it so much easier to do so. I want to tell you that the scholarship is a huge help to my family and me and we are incredibly grateful for it. I am deeply thankful for what you do.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship. Your generous support means the world to me, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to make music with other young musicians who want to improve. Your belief in my potential inspires me to work even harder towards my goals. At my school, many students are in band for an “easy A”. Now, I can participate with other youth that really enjoy playing music. I can’t wait to play with other musicians who are more advanced than I am so I can learn and grow from them. I am counting the days until I can play fun and challenging music with others, make new friends, and try new things. Thank you so much!
I am beyond grateful for each of you and your generous scholarship donations. Without your financial help, my parents could not have afforded to send me to Arrowbear Music Camp this summer. I am so excited to have been given this opportunity. I have never attended any camp before and cannot wait to get there. My older sister was also awarded a scholarship and we are just so happy and excited and know that this experience will change our lives for the better. I hope that I will become a better violinist and make new friends during my amazing week at Arrowbear. Again, I cannot thank you enough for making my dreams of attending a music camp come true.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of your generous scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has filled me with immense joy and gratitude. I am incredibly thankful to you for recognizing my potential and deeming me worthy of such a wonderful opportunity.
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I promise to approach this opportunity with dedication, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn and grow as a musician. Your support has not only lightened my financial burden but has also given me a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Your belief in me has inspired me to work even harder and strive for excellence in my musical pursuits.
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Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly grateful for your generosity and belief in my potential.
Thank you so much for your amazing generosity and support. I am so excited and thankful that your contributions have given me the amazing opportunity to attend Arrowbear Music Camp this summer. I can’t wait to be part of this awesome program and spend my time making music and new friends.
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Music is everything to me, and I’m always working hard to get better at it. I just know that being at Arrowbear will help me grow so much as a musician. I’m really looking forward to learning from the amazing teachers, playing music with other kids who love it as much as I do, and making friendships that will last a long time.
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Once again, thank you for making this opportunity possible. I am so thankful for the positive impact you will have on my life and the lives of so many other young musicians.
