The Lone Star Wind Orchestra is committed to awarding each year, through the “Music Changing Lives Scholarship” program, scholarships to graduating high school band students pursuing a higher education. Making a difference and changing people’s lives through music is a dream the Lone Star Wind Orchestra founders had when starting the organization in 2006. Each Spring, students submit their application, GPA ranking, and letters of recommendation. Applications are reviewed by a committee and scholarships are competitively awarded to the most outstanding students. Since 2008, LSWO has awarded $44,000 to 43 deserving student musicians.
The Lone Star Wind Orchestra congratulates the 2020 scholarship recipients:
Matthew Davis, Euphonium
Jack Stewart Memorial Scholarship
Matthew started his band involvement in the 6th grade and excelled as a member of the McKinney North High School Marching Band, Honors Band, and Jazz Band. He was Section Leader, Assistant Drum Major and Drum Major, as well as Band Officer. He is a leader with a sense of pride, excellence, and achievement. His band recognitions include All-Region Band, Area Band as well as All-State Band. Matthew received 1st Division Ratings at State Solo and Ensemble. He has been an integral part of the Lone Star Youth Winds and was the 2020 Concerto Competition Winner.
Matthew expressed that music has given him a sense of home, family, purpose, and accomplishment. It allows him to place himself in a different time and place, or decade of choice. He would like to give the same experiences and opportunities to others through a music experience.
He will be attending Baylor University this fall and studying Music Education and aspires to teach music at the High School or College level.
Ken Nguyen, Saxophone
Alice and Henry Reeves Memorial Scholarship
Ken is a 2020 graduate of Sam Houston High School, Arlington, TX and a was a rock to fellow students in the band. He has been a passion for music and learning and excelled in his playing and leadership skills. He was a member in the top band ensemble, he made All-City Band for 5 years and made All-Region Band twice. Ken received First Division Rating at State Solo and Ensemble. He was chosen as head section leader, band officer and was Drum Major for 3 straight years.
Ken says his involvement in the band, and specifically as drum major, provided a leadership role where he was able to help other students become successful and create the same connection he had experienced. Being able to lead and mentor students toward their goals is his passion.
Ken will be attending Texas Christian University studying Music Education with dreams of becoming a band director.
Ini Dim, Percussion
Music Changing Lives Scholarship
Ini Dim is a 2020 graduate of McKinney North High School, McKinney, TX. He is highly respected by his classmates and teaches, and he is passionate about his studies, music, and helping others. Ini was involved with sports, theatre, and music but he found the music, percussion techniques and performance to overshadow his other interests. He had a wonderful mentor that helped him grow as a musician and a person.
For several years he volunteered several hours a week with various McKinney Schools helping teach and mentor young players on how to be a team player on a drum line. He knows the importance of giving back to the community and how much music can have a positive impact on young lives. Ini was a member of the All-Region Band, a Band Officer, Section Leader, and earned First Division Rating at State Solo and Ensemble. He was also a valued member of the Lone Star Youth Wind Orchestra.
Ini has expressed that music and his mentors helped provide him support and helped to instill values within himself and develop a mindset of growth and potential.
Ini will be attending The University of Oklahoma majoring in Pre-Pharmacy.
Raygan Mida, Percussion
Music Changing Lives Scholarship
Raygan Mida graduated from McKinney North High School, McKinney, TX in 2020. From very early, Raygan felt a passion for music. She always wanted to play tambourine or xylophone instead of singing like her peers. She began her love for music and specifically drums when performing in her church youth group and later began percussion classes in middle school. In band, she has been a section leader, leading her peers with poise and confidence through rehearsals and competitions. She held the position of principal percussionist with McKinney North High School’s top band and orchestra. She earned All-Region Band, All-State Band, and First Division Rating at State Solo and Ensemble. She was Section Leader and Band Officer. Music and band became her family away from home and provided additional support and encouragement. Raygan has also been a valuable percussionist in the Lone Star Youth Wind Orchestra.
Raygan will be attending Oklahoma State University this fall studying Music Education and Music Performance.