Dee Palmer – Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship

Congratulations to Daniel Clements, this year’s Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship recipient. Daniel is a 2024 DeKalb High School graduate pursuing a degree in music education at Northern Illinois University. He has played various instruments, including flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, and steel drums. His impressive accomplishments include performing and leading in the DeKalb High School marching band, Crosswinds Flute Choir, Northern Illinois University Sinfonia, and as an ILMEA Flute All-State Musician.

The Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund was established at the DeKalb County Community Foundation in 2009 by Dee Palmer and his supporters to award a scholarship to a high school graduate from DeKalb County who plans to pursue a music career. Dee Palmer was director of the DeKalb Municipal Band before passing away in November 2011. Palmer and his family have contributed to the musical pleasure of thousands of people in DeKalb County for over 160 years.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation can be made online at or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional scholarship information, contact Community Foundation Grants & Scholarships Manager Sara Nickels at 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.

Pictured above: Sara Nickels, Daniel Clements (scholarship recipient), Kirk Lundbeck (DeKalb Municipal Band Conductor)