2022 Scholarship
Winners
The Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota held their annual Scholarship Auditions on Saturday, March 5, at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Kansas City Music Foundation provided the funding for the scholarship awards.
Twenty-two contestants participated in the event, and each was critiqued by three exceptional judges: William Baker, Music Director and Conductor, William Baker Festival Singers; Lee Hartman, Director of Programming, Harriman-Jewell Series; and Joshua Hearn, Music Director, Southminster Presbyterian Church.
The winners of the 2022 scholarships are:
Megan Moore
Scholarship Committee Chair, 2022
| Winner | School | Instrument | Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoshiro Hirama | Park University | Piano | Ruth Blake Memorial Scholarship |
| Yulin Dong | UMKC | Piano | Dixie Lou O'Connor Morris Memorial Scholarship |
| Sihao Qin | Park University | Piano | Thomas F. Morris Memorial Scholarship |
| Yuefeng Liu | UMKC | Piano | Leona Schaefer Memorial Scholarship |
| Jonathon Nickell | UMKC | Saxophone | Viola Stoskopf Memorial Scholarship |
| Evan Minsk | UMKC | Piano | Kansas City Alumnae Scholarship |
From the Judges:
“I am delighted and amazed by the high level of artistry, and I am even more inspired by the expressiveness and by the stylistic maturity of these young musicians. The diversity and depth of repertoire have been impressive.” – William Baker
“To have the good fortune to hear these fine KC metro musicians is a joy. The high level of performance, both instrumentally and vocally, showcases the tremendous talent and skill of the next generation of young artists.” – Lee Hartman
“The caliber of students today is a testament to the high quality of instructors and institutions of this region. Bravo!” – Joshua Hearn
Judges Lee Hartman, Joshua Hearn, and William Baker.
From the Contestants:
“Wonderful singing experience! Gorgeous space with colorful, reflective overtones. Very welcoming, friendly atmosphere.” – Alexis
“One of the best competition experiences I’ve been part of.” – Drew
“The experience was very welcoming, and it was a good environment.” – Maggie
From the Volunteers:
“A highlight of our SAI year is holding the SAI scholarship auditions. Each year the students seem to be musically more incredible than ever before. We couldn’t offer this financial support to these college-age music students without the funding from the Kansas City Music Foundation.” – Jane Christison, President, Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of SAI
“The excitement, electricity and energy of young musicians is the life-giving spark that perpetuates the life of music generation after generation. The Kansas City Alumnae chapter’s Scholarship Auditions provide the opportunity for the young to strive for the best of their abilities and to be rewarded in kind. The hope for the future of musical excellence is high as evidenced by these fine musicians!” – Yvonne
“I’m always impressed by the high level of musicianship we see from the students, and I’m proud that the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota continues this 80+ year tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving students.” – Jessie
“I’m amazed every year how talented these young musicians are. I wish we could award scholarships to all of them!” – Pamela
“It’s such a delight to hear all these talented young people!” – Patricia
“What a fun day! It is great to spend time with fellow musicians in our community on this day.” – Megan