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Friday, March 29, 2024

College-bound music education students welcome to apply for ‘Ronald Keller Music Scholarship’

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Above / Though Dr. Ron Keller considers the tuba he began playing when he was in second grade to be his band instrument of choice, he recently took a few minutes to toot his great-grandfather’s vintage cornet. His great-grandfather, Joseph Babst, also was conductor of the city band—first from 1867 to 1870, then from 1877 to 1885. Since 1953, Keller has been a member of the Naperville Municipal Band. In 1966, at age 27, and always the teacher, Keller was named conductor of the band that’s been around since 1859.


The 3rd Annual Ronald Keller Music Scholarship in the amount of a one-time grant of $2,500 will be awarded to a band student who plans to study music education in order to be a band director. The application process is now in progress.

Naperville’s music man, Dr. Ron Keller, has shared his love of music with the community for more than 69 years. For the third year, the director of the Naperville Municipal Band will present eligible high school seniors aiming to be music education majors with a chance to apply for a scholarship to assist their college funds.

“The college-bound music education student must intend to be a band director,” Keller said.

Students can ask for applications in the music departments of high schools that serve Naperville students.

Above /  For more than 54 years, NMB Conductor Ron Keller has set the tempo for America’s favorite music from Veterans Park to Central Park and many parades in between.

Parents, friends, neighbors and teachers in the community are encouraged to help spread the word to find the recipient of the 2019 Ronald Keller Music Scholarship. In addition, donations in support of the scholarship fund also are welcomed.

The award is expected to be presented at the first Naperville Municipal Band (NMB) Thursday evening summer concert when the 11-week summer concert series begins in June in Central Park.

I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music,

for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning. —Plato

Students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  •      Graduating Senior
  •      Naperville resident
  •      Active musician in a Naperville area high school band
  •      Music Education Major with intentions to direct band 

Scholarship coordinator Michele Ryan went on to note details and that the application form is now available via music department chairmen at Naperville high schools.  The submission deadline is March 15, 2020.

“We hope everyone in the music department and in touch with college-bound students—band directors, guidance counselors, and scholarship coordinators—  will assist us in reaching eligible band students directly for electronic entry purposes,” Ryan added. “We appreciate everyone’s help in distributing information about this opportunity for band students in Naperville schools.”

In 2018, the first Ronald Keller Scholarship recipient was Naperville Central High School senior Elizabeth Gosztola.

In 2019, the second award went to Daniel Wilczynski from Waubonsie Valley High School. 


Ronald Keller Music Scholarship

The director of the Naperville Municipal Band, Dr. Ronald Keller, invites high school seniors to apply for the
Ronald Keller Music Scholarship. The individual candidate selected to receive the scholarship will receive a
one-time grant of $2,500. The annual award will be presented during one of the Naperville Municipal Band summer concerts.

This year’s award currently is planned to be presented at the first Naperville Municipal Band (NMB) summer concert in June.

Eligibility

  • Graduating Senior
  • Naperville resident
  • Active musician in a Naperville area high school band
  • Music Education Major

Members of the Ronald Keller Music scholarship selection committee, NMB board members, or related family
members are not eligible.

Selection Criteria

  • Genuine desire to be a music educator
  • Participation level and leadership in current high school band
  • Musical talent
  • Monetary need

Application Requirements

  • Essay detailing applicant’s desire to be a music educator and involvement in high school band and music program. (Required. Maximum 500 words)
  • Letter of recommendation from band director. (Optional, strongly encouraged)
  • Interview with scholarship selection committee and performance of a music selection of the candidate’s choosing. (Required. You will be contacted to schedule a day/time.)

Application Submission Options

Submit application form and essay using one of the methods below. Band directors should send recommendation letters directly by email or mail.
1. Online Google Form:  bit.ly/RKMSapplication. (Requires a Google account to use) Complete application on the Google form, type essay on the form or upload a PDF file.
2. Email: info@napervilleband.org with this subject line: “Ronald Keller Music Scholarship Application (student name)” Students: Attach application and essay. Directors: Attach recommendation letter.
3. Mail to:
Naperville Municipal Band
Attn: Ronald Keller Music Scholarship Selection Committee
P.O. Box 474
Naperville, IL 60566

Deadlines

  • Scholarship applications and essays are due on or before March 15, 2020.
  • Recommendation letters are due on or before April 1, 2020.

Ronald Keller Music Scholarship Application

Please accept my application for the Ronald Keller Music Scholarship! I meet the following criteria for the scholarship: Graduating Senior, Naperville resident, active musician in a Naperville area high school band and Music Education Major.

Date:
First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
High School:
College:
College Major:

Enclosures:

  • â–ˇEssay (Required, 500 word maximum)
  • Recommendation letter (Optional, will be sent separately from my band director).

Band Director Name: __________________________________________________________________________


Editor’s Note / Dr. Ron Keller who will celebrate his 81st birthday on Feb. 24, 2020, has yet to change his tune and love for teaching music for a lifetime. Encourage high school music students who want to teach to follow in his footsteps and apply for the 2020 Ronald Keller Music Scholarship. The third-annual scholarship again will be presented to a qualified high school graduate headed to college for a degree in teaching music and band. 

Also note the band that’s been around since 1859 will kick off the Naperville Municipal Band’s 161st anniversary year during a performance set for 3PM Sun., March 1, 2020, on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall.

For more information about the Naperville Municipal Band and its 2020 schedule indoors and outdoors, visit www.napervilleband.org.

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