2025 Scholarship
Winners
The Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota held their annual Scholarship Auditions on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Eight scholarships totaling $13,250 were awarded. Seven of the scholarships were funded by the Kansas City Music Foundation, and one, specifically for an organ student, was funded by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Twenty-four applicants performed for judges Un-Chong Christopher, Mikayla Dupont, and John Schaefer. The students came from six different area universities that included University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, University of Central Missouri, Park University, Northwest Missouri State University, and MidAmerica Nazarene University.
The scholarship audition committee included Nanie Downs, chair, Holly Fagan and Lisa Davis.
All eight winners performed on the 2025 Scholarship Winners Concert at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the sanctuary at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas.
Scholarship Committee
Chair, 2025
Nanie Downs, Sam Downs, Taylor Fegan, Lisa Davis
| Year | First Name | Last Name | Instrument | Scholarship Received | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Caden | Helmer | Saxophone | Carolyn McDill Memorial Scholarship | UMKC Conservatory |
| 2025 | Anthony | Kandilaroff | Flute | Dixie Lou O’Connor Morris Memorial Scholarship | UMKC Conservatory |
| 2025 | Max | Linares | Organ | June Marie Walker Memorial Scholarship | University of Kansas |
| 2025 | David | Oosse | Marimba | Leona Schaefer Memorial Scholarship | UMKC Conservatory |
| 2025 | Yuren | Zhang | Violin | Carolyn Holtman Memorial Scholarship | Park University |
| 2025 | Anna | Johnson | Flute | Ron Ashlock Memorial Scholarship | University of Kansas |
| 2025 | Chasey | Briggs | Soprano | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | UMKC Conservatory |
| 2025 | Aubrey | Williamson | Flute | KC Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota | UMKC Conservatory |
“The Kansas City SAI Alumnae chapter has put together an amazing experience and opportunity to share in the mission of Sigma Alpha Iota: encouraging the highest standard of music for all. It is so wonderful to see young artists care so much for their craft and strive for the stars. This is an amazing opportunity for young musicians to showcase their musical talent, further their musical careers and gain the support of fellow music lovers on their journey. Congratulations to all!” Mikayla Dupont, M.M.
“We had an amazing turn out! I‘m so impressed by anyone that takes the time to not only learn how to play an instrument, but master it. We had a wide variety of instrumentalists and vocalists who all were deserving.” Lisa Davis
“It was a great experience to perform in such a beautiful and inspiring space. The entire audition process was very well-organized and created a calm and welcoming environment that allowed me to focus on sharing my music.” Max Linares
“This audition offers a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to form connections with their colleagues in the Kansas City area and gain experience performing solo repertoire. It was a welcoming space where everyone was supportive and kind to all students.” Caden Helmer
“It is always an exciting and rewarding day to hear such young talent. Auditioning is never easy but this group of young adults certainly put everything into their auditioning for a well deserved scholarship.” Marsha Oyer