The Ralph Sowden Memorial scholarship is named after Ralph Sowden, who graduated from Edison High School in 1971 and who served as NECB's treasurer for 20 years. He passed away in 2021.
Ralph was an Edison Alum and a lifelong trumpet player and enthusiast. He played in the Edison High School bands, the Calhoun Isles Band, at church, at home, whenever he could. He was a founding member of the Northeast Community Band. Ralph believed in the power of community through music, and in spirit champions the young musician who will continue on with music after leaving high school.
This annual $1000 scholarship award is given to a senior in the Edison High School Band program to use in their pursuit of music beyond high school. They may or may not plan to major in music, and may be used for tuition, instruments, or lessons. Students compose an essay to demonstrate: a) their participation in music at Edison High School, b) how music has benefitted their lives, c) how they see music as a part of their future lives, and in the spirit of Ralph’s contribution to the community, d) how will they give back to their community through and/or with music. The scholarship winner is chosen by the NECB board, and is awarded in spring.
Recipients of the Ralph Sowden Memorial Scholarship:
2021-22: Andrew Fischer
2023-24: Jonathan Sims & Gideon Lubbers
2024-25: Sebastian Correa
Consider buying some NECB swag to support the Ralph Sowden Memorial Scholarship. We have coffee mugs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and even tie-dye!
Visit our store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/northeast-community-band.
You can also make a one-time donation here or via our Donate page.
The Northeast Community Band is a 501 C non profit corporation Minnesota Corporation.