UW Band Alumni Association - Scholarships
Ray Dvorak Scholarship Program Expands Number of Students Supported and Increases Awards
"In the fall of 1934, an Assistant Band Director" was hired to lead the University of Wisconsin Band program. His name - Raymond Francis Dvorak! For the next third of a century, not only was the UW Band program led to new heights of accomplishment and exceptional recognition, but also the University, the City of Madison, the state and even the nation were to feel the vibrations of this band director, teacher, composer/arranger, author, song leader, humorist and humanitarian." Songs to Thee, Wisconsin (M. F. Leckrone, 1985)
Nearly 20 years ago, the UW Band Alumni Association established an endowed scholarship fund at the UW Foundation to honor Professor Dvorak, who lead the Band until he retired in 1968. The UWBAA's initial efforts resulted in contributions of more than $25,000. In 1988, the fund grew greatly with a bequest of $75,000 from Irwin Cooper, whose wife had been on the faculty of the School of Music with Ray. Gifts to the Dvorak Scholarship fund continue to this day.
Nearly 20 years ago, the UW Band Alumni Association established an endowed scholarship fund at the UW Foundation to honor Professor Dvorak, who lead the Band until he retired in 1968. The UWBAA's initial efforts resulted in contributions of more than $25,000. In 1988, the fund grew greatly with a bequest of $75,000 from Irwin Cooper, whose wife had been on the faculty of the School of Music with Ray. Gifts to the Dvorak Scholarship fund continue to this day.
Originally, two Dvorak Scholarships were awarded, at $250 per year per student. Application was limited to UW-Madison students who were both (1) music majors and (2) in the Marching Band. In 1991, the UWBAA Steering Committee increased the amount to $500 per year. Yet there were often seasons when there were no music majors in the Marching Band nor applicants for the scholarships, and the endowment grew ever larger.
More than a year ago, the Steering Committee began considering ways in which the Ray Dvorak fund could be used to help many more students and provide much larger awards.
This past May, they completed a carefully developed plan and made significant changes in the administration of the program so that many more people will benefit and become aware of Raymond F. Dvorak and his tremendous impact on the Band and the University of Wisconsin. The new program will:
More than a year ago, the Steering Committee began considering ways in which the Ray Dvorak fund could be used to help many more students and provide much larger awards.
This past May, they completed a carefully developed plan and made significant changes in the administration of the program so that many more people will benefit and become aware of Raymond F. Dvorak and his tremendous impact on the Band and the University of Wisconsin. The new program will:
- Continue the original intent of supporting Band members who are music majors, but changed so that all such students are presented an award, without having to apply or be selected
- Continue the policy of awarding two Raymond F. Dvorak Marching Band Scholarships, but increase the prestige of the scholarship by raising the amount presented to $1,000; and
- Create two new scholarships that provide $2,000 annually to recognize Ray's influence on and involvement in the School of Music, by assisting students enrolled in the instrumental education program and preparing to be future band directors the Raymond F. Dvorak School of Music Scholarships.
These are exciting and important changes, and UWBAA members should be proud of the work done by the Steering Committee. The results will not only benefit current and future generations of students in the UW Marching Band and the School of Music, but also honor the memory of Ray Dvorak and increase the understanding of what he meant to the University of Wisconsin.
