Gibraltar graduate Berndt to receive Peninsula Music Festival scholarship

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Gibraltar High School graduate was named winner of Peninsula Music Festival's $3,000 scholarship.

EPHRAIM - Peninsula Music Festival has selected Spencer Berndt, a recent graduate of Gibraltar High School, as the recipient of its $3,000 college scholarship.

Berndt will attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he will major in computer science and minor in music. In addition to the scholarship award, Berndt will be honored at PMF's Aug. 9 concert with his family in attendance.

The three-year, $1,000-per-year scholarship is awarded annually by PMF to a graduating high school senior who desires to further his or her education in music. The recipient must be an outstanding music student who has demonstrated his or her ability as a performer and shown a sustained interest in music-related activities. The student must major or minor in music while attending college.

Applicants must write an essay outlining their qualifications, including accomplishments in music, future plans, academic achievements, high school transcripts and any other information appropriate to the scholarship. Letters of recommendation must be sent from a music professional and from the student's high school principal.

The Education Outreach Committee of PMF's Board of Directors reviews applications and chooses its recipient. The award will begin at the start of the recipient's sophomore year of college and continue through the senior year. The recipient must send an annual update on his or her studies to PMF plus proof of continuing registration as a music student to continue receiving the scholarship.

“The committee was so impressed with Spencer’s essay and accomplishments,” PMF Executive Director Sharon Grutzmacher said. “He has worked extremely hard to keep music part of his life and recognizes its importance in his success as he continues his education.”

In addition to the annual scholarship, the festival’s education outreach programs include Summer Music Awards, internships, its Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program and the $10 Student Ticket Program.

Peninsula Music Festival is a professional symphony orchestra presenting nine different symphonic concerts in three weeks each August at Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek. Its 66th season will from Aug. 7 through 25. For more information, call 920-854-4060 or go to www.musicfestival.com.