Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition

The Grand Teton Music Festival will host the 9th Annual Scholarship Competition in honor of Music Director Donald Runnicles on July 18 & 19, 2026 in Jackson, Wyoming. Semi-Finals: July 18, 10 a.m. Finals: July 19, 1 p.m.

The competition is open to graduating high school seniors from Wyoming, Idaho or Montana who are pursuing a music degree in college. The first round is a pre-screened video submitted online.

Witness the talent of five 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, May 18: DEADLINE EXTENDED – Applications due

Monday, June 1: Applicants will be notified of first-round results

Saturday, July 18: Scholarship Competition Semi-Finals at 10 a.m.

Sunday, July 19: Scholarship Competition Finals at 1 p.m.

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