Foundation Scholarships

Hastings, Ross Music

This scholarship shall be awarded to an outstanding UW-Eau Claire student majoring in the Music. The recipient shall be an outstanding student who demonstrates skill and promise in the field of music arranging. The scholarship shall be awarded on the basis of commitment to the composition program and excellence as a musician and arranger. Financial need shall not be a consideration in selecting the recipient. This scholarship shall be awarded to students at the sophomore or above standing and it may be renewed for up to three years, as long as the recipient maintains progress toward the degree and continues to demonstrate skill and growth in the academic program.

Determined by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.

Determined by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.

Determined by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.

Determined by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.

The Chair of the scholarship selection committee shall notify the Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts, who shall send a letter to the recipient. The Department Chair is also responsible for completing and submitting a “Scholarship Award Form” to the Financial Aid Office.

This scholarship was established by an estate gift from Ross and Marion Hastings. Ross’s connection with UW-Eau Claire began in 1981 when Ross heard recordings the UW-Eau Claire Symphony Band had made for Bourne Publishing Company, where Ross worked. In the years that followed, Ross arranged many pieces for UW-Eau Claire and provided numerous original scores for the university band and orchestra. The university commissioned Ross to write a Christmas piece to involve the Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra and all the choral ensembles. “The Joy of Christmas” was premiered at the 1989 UW-Eau Claire annual Holiday Concert and has been performed as the closing piece at each Holiday concert since. Recipients must write a thank you letter and forward it to the Foundation Office, S-214.