Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition

The Grand Teton Music Festival will host the 10th Annual Scholarship Competition in honor of Music Director Donald Runnicles on July 24 & 25, 2027 in Jackson, Wyoming.

The competition is open to graduating high school seniors from Wyoming, Idaho or Montana who plan to pursue a college degree in music, including instrumentalists and vocalists. The first round is a pre-screened video submitted online.

Witness the talent of six semi-finalists who will perform for a panel of judges including Maestro Donald Runnicles at Jackson Hole High School Auditorium. Three finalists will compete for $50,000 in scholarship awards and the first-prize winner will be invited to perform as a soloist with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in its upcoming season. WSO performance details to be discussed following the conclusion of the competition. The semi-finals and finals are free to attend and open to the public.

- 1st Prize: $25,000 & a soloist performance with the WSO
- 2nd Prize: $15,000
- 3rd Prize: $10,000

2026 Scholarship Competition: Jerry Hou, former GTMF assistant conductor and current Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra; Stephanie Key, clarinet; Sir Donald Runnicles, music director; Adelyn Bendorf, piano (1st place); Oliver Soulek, piano (2nd place); Ella Charette, flute (3rd place)

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, March 1 – Application Period Opens for 2027 Scholarship Competition

Monday, May 3 – Deadline to Apply

Tuesday, June 1 – Applicants will be notified of the first-round results

Saturday, July 24 – Scholarship Competition Semi-Finals

Sunday, July 25 – Scholarship Competition Finals

If you have any questions about the scholarship competition, please contact Ashley Hernandez-Salinas, Community Engagement Manager, at 307.732.9962 or ashley@gtmf.org.

The Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition is generously funded by anonymous donors. We are profoundly grateful for their support.

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Congratulations to the 2026 Scholarship Competition Award recipients!

1st Prize ($25K): Adelyn Bendorf (piano) from Boise, ID
2nd Prize ($15K): Oliver Soulek (piano) from Casper, WY
3rd Prize ($10K): Ella Charette (flute) from Billings, MT