Scholarships
Each year, the Topeka Symphony provides scholarship funds for music students at Washburn University. With current funds and a bequest from Carmie Wolfe, scholarship money is granted to deserving students from other schools as well.
TSO Performance Scholarships
The Topeka Symphony Orchestra offers scholarships to string students accepted as a member of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra. Acceptance into the orchestra is by audition and scholarships are awarded based on the audition and an application.
Elna Friedstrom Awards
The Topeka Symphony League awards grants to musicians in the Topeka Youth Symphony and the Chamber Orchestra. These awards honor the memory of Elna Friedstrom, a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Topeka Youth Orchestras. These grants are awarded in the spring and are based on applications submitted by the students.
The Charles Marling Award
The Charles Marling Award of Distinction was introduced in 1982 to recognize past or current Symphony or League Board Members for “exceptionally meritorious endeavors and long and devoted service” to the Topeka Symphony. This award has been bestowed only nine times since its inception, including the unveiling of the award and presentation to Charles Marling.
Recipients of the Charles Marling Award of Distinction
Charles Marling, 1982
Edith Lessenden Chandler, 1984
Margaret Fletcher, 1987
Norma Pettijohn, 1989
Julie Reeves, 1990
Floyd Hedberg, 1992
Virginia Wade, 1996
Kathy Maag, 2002
Diana Osterhout, 2006
Trella Anderson, 2017
The Bravo Award
The Bravo Award was established by the Topeka Symphony Society Board of Directors in 2005. The purpose of the award is to honor an individual who has demonstrated devotion to the Topeka Symphony Society through a unique contribution or impact.
Recipients of the Bravo Award
Molly Wisman, 2005
Paul Kindling, 2006
Cynthia Enstrom, 2007
Betty Dicus, 2008
Betty Sisk, 2009
Betty Cleland, 2011
Mike Lennen, 2017
Gordon McQuere, 2017