Ephraim, Wis. (June 13, 2020) – The Peninsula Music Festival is proud to announce that Door County native, Mya Ploor, is this year’s recipient of the George Verheyden Memorial Scholarship. A recent graduate of Sevastopol High School, Mya will be attending Luther College in the Fall, where she will be pursuing a double major in Music Performance and Music Education.
Mya maintained an impressive academic record throughout High School, and plays over twenty instruments. Given her vast abilities and musical interests, Mya has been a valued member of Sevastopol High School’s concert band, jazz band, pep band, marching band, pit orchestra, pit band, concert choir, and show choir. Out in the community, she’s shared her talents as a member of her Church choir, participated in Birch Creek’s Symphony Session, and is a member of St. Norbert’s Youth Orchestra. Beyond her undergraduate studies, Mya looks forward to pursuing Masters and Doctorate degrees in either instrumental music or music education so she can teach at the University level.
“The Committee was extremely impressed with Mya’s achievements, and her total commitment to pursuing a career as a professional musician, band director, and music educator,” said PMF Executive Director Christoph Ptack. “Mya is an inspiring, focused young woman who continues to challenge herself at every turn. I look forward to following her future success.”
Each year, the Peninsula Music Festival awards a $3,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who desires to further their education in music. The recipient must be an outstanding music student, who has demonstrated his or her ability as a performer, and has shown a sustained interest in music-related activities. To receive the funds, the recipient must successfully complete a major or minor in music at the conclusion of their undergraduate studies. Applicants submit academic transcripts, write an essay outlining their qualifications, accomplishments, scholastic record, future plans, and any other information they’d like the Committee to consider. Letters of recommendation must be submitted from a music professional, and from the student’s High School Principal.
The Board of Director’s Scholarship Committee and PMF’s Executive Director review the candidates, and select the recipient. The George Verheyden Memorial Scholarship is awarded for three years, beginning with the sophomore year, and continuing through the senior year. The recipient is required to provide an annual report detailing their progress, activities, and proof of continuing registration as a music major or minor for the upcoming school year.
The Peninsula Music Festival is located along the shores of Wisconsin’s famed Door County. The Symphony Series features world-renowned conductors, acclaimed guest artists, and our Festival Orchestra of eighty musicians who represent leading symphonic and operatic institutions from around the world, including those or Toronto, Houston, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Boston, Omaha, Milwaukee, Houston Grand Opera, The Dallas Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. No longer just a summer attraction, join us for Festival performances throughout the year, with programming that includes special recitals, concert events, and a month-long Chamber Music Series in February featuring members of the Festival Orchestra, and special guest artists.