Burgoyne Scholarship Fund seeks donations for music students

Kathleen Campbell has a long history of working to bring music into the lives of students interested in pursuing it.  She is continuing that tradition at her music studio, Burgoyne Studios, by offering a scholarship for her students.  The scholarship is seeking donations in order to continue to be able to offer classes to students who seek them out.  The Enterprise caught up with Campbell during lessons with Dax Kunz, Trey Kunz, Ian Crofts, and Bridger Dilworth.  The four are rehearsing for their upcoming recital. 

Asked about the importance of a music scholarship, Campbell says, “A music scholarship gives a student a chance to be noted.  For some this would be their first opportunity to be singled out with an award.  It gives them self esteem.  It also will hopefully motivate them to do more and work harder as a student scholarship winner. They will ideally keep studying their instrument throughout their growing up years.”

Campbell points out that some families have more than one child in need of private lessons, and may be limited in how much they can afford.   Even with just one child desiring music lessons, a scholarship will greatly aid the musical education of that child in making it more feasible.

The scholarship is named in memory of Kathleen’s father, Dr. Roger D. Burgoyne (1926-2014), who was a gifted and talented musician who encouraged his children and grandchildren in the study of music, and was appreciative of anyone who showed promise of musical ability.   

This particular scholarship is finishing up its first year.  Two winners were chosen in 2023.  They were Ian Crofts of Lago, who received a full scholarship, and Jenny Smith of Soda Springs, who received a 1/2 scholarship.  

A previous scholarship was given in memory of a phenomenal student, Patricia Sorensen, who passed away at the tender age of 10.  “At that time the studio was called the Burgoyne School of Music and we had a fund raiser in place to fund the scholarship.  After retiring and serving two missions with my husband for my church, I reopened the studio under the name of Burgoyne Studios.  Last year I felt the need to provide a scholarship again.  A scholarship is a great opportunity for a student to be recognized.  It is also an opportunity for a family whose budget may be stretched quite thin.  Not having funding for the scholarship like we did before, we are seeking donations.  These donations can be used as a tax deduction, if desired, through the Caribou County Community Choir and Orchestra Association,” Campbell says. 

The scholarship provides private music lessons in violin or piano at Burgoyne Studios for one year. 

In order to qualify, the students:

• Need to have studied at Burgoyne Studios for at least one year.
• Must demonstrate commitment with a good attitude and a genuine interest in their studies. 
• Must practice 5 days a week, accumulating 150 or more minutes each week for intermediate students, 100 or more for beginning students.

There is an application with questions for the student and a parent to answer.  

A panel of anonymous judges plus Campbell will select the winner.

The funding for the scholarship comes from donations. Any amount will help.  Those who donate can be listed in a follow-up article, unless they desire to remain anonymous.  

People can Facebook message me at Kathleen Burgoyne Campbell.  Donations can be made directly to me.

A tax exempt donation can be made by writing a check to the Caribou County Community Choir and Orchestra Association with Dr. RDB in the “for” field. Address the envelope to:

Attention Chairman Wade Olorenshaw 

Dr. Roger D. Burgoyne Scholarship Fund 

1930 Ivins Road 

Bancroft Idaho 83217.

The scholarship winner will be announced at the spring recital in mid-May.  That date has not been set yet.  “Everyone needs to know that they are achieving something, that they are capable of doing something good and grand,” Campbell says.