The Missoula Symphony Scholarship Fund
Continuing the grand tradition of the Missoula Symphony Guild, the Missoula Symphony Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing scholarships for outstanding University of Montana music students who play in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra or sing in the Missoula Symphony Chorale. This year, the Missoula Symphony Association will award more than $30,000 in scholarships to seven talented young musicians. This commitment is possible thanks to the generosity of our Scholarship Fund donors.
2025-2026 Scholarships
Cook Family Scholarship
New in 2020-2021, this scholarship is named for Will and Kay Cook. “We are happy to partner with the University of Montana and The Missoula Symphony Association to support the growth of music education in Montana and the cultural enrichment of our city.”
Cook Family/Missoula Symphony Association scholarship recipient – Lindsay Abelin, viola
Cook Family/Missoula Symphony Association scholarship recipient – Zoe McLain, violin
Cook Family/Missoula Symphony Association scholarship recipient – AJ Frisque, string bass
Cook Family/Missoula Symphony Association scholarship recipient – Neveah Killsnight
The Florence Reynolds Scholarship
Named for a woman who shared her musical talent, enthusiasm and endless energy with the MSA for many years.
MSO Florence Reynolds scholarship recipient – Kylie Heit, cello
The Symphony Guild Presidents’ Scholarship
Named in honor of those women who have given their time and energy as Presidents of the Missoula Symphony Guild.
MSO Past Presidents scholarship recipient – Garon Jones, string bass
The Joseph Henry Scholarship
Named in honor of our Music Director Emeritus, who retired in 2007 after 21 years as Music Director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra.
MSO Joseph Henry scholarship recipient – Hayley Bouchard, cello
The Donald Carey Scholarship
Named in honor of our former Chorale Director who retired in 2006, after 18 years at his post.
MSO Donald Carey scholarship recipient – Seth Griffith, cello
The Virginia Vinal Scholarship
Named in honor of the longest-serving member of the orchestra, and her dedication to music and community.
MSO Virginia Vinal scholarship recipient – Moe Kobold, violin
The Women’s Guild Tuition Scholarship
Funded by Betty Thisted and Sophie Lambros, two presidents of the former Missoula Symphony Guild, this scholarship provides full tuition, for four years, to an incoming University of Montana music major focusing on piano or percussion.
MSO Women’s Guild Tuition Scholarship recipient – William (Danger) Gersh, Percussion
The Steve and Jane Bahls Scholarship
Established by Steve and Jane Bahls in 2023. The Steve and Jane Bahls scholarship recognizes an outstanding music student who performs in the Missoula Symphony Orchestra or in the Missoula Symphony Chorale.
The Steve and Jane Bahls Scholarship recipient – Pamela Harrington, violin