Pictured: Ben Smelser, the 2015 Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship recipient accepted his award at the DeKalb Municipal Band Concert last summer. Smelser is a DeKalb High School graduate attending the Cleveland Institute of Music studying trombone performance.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation announces that the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship applications are available for DeKalb County students graduating high school and going on to study a career in music. Interested students can download an application online. Completed applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on April 1.

Dee Palmer, director of the DeKalb Municipal Band since 1948, passed away in November 2011. Dee and his family have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years. The scholarship fund was established in their honor.

“This is an excellent opportunity to support and enhance the musical arts in honor of a distinguished and legendary member of our community” stated Becky Zantout, Grants & Community Initiatives Manager at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, “This investment to support music education will benefit DeKalb County for generations.”

The scholarship will be awarded by a committee composed of individuals from various musical backgrounds and representing communities throughout DeKalb County. Last year’s recipient was Ben Smelser a DeKalb High School graduate attending the Cleveland Institute of Music to study trombone performance.

Donations are encouraged to grow the scholarship. For more information about making a tax deductible donation to the scholarship, please contact Dan Templin, Executive Director, at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.