Scholarship Program

Each year, the Sounds of Freedom Military Concert Band proudly awards scholarships to high school and college students in recognition of their continued growth, dedication, and achievement in music. Established in 2013, the Hollon O. Kinney Excellence in Music Scholarship, named in honor of one of the Founders of the original 509 Band, is awarded to a graduating high school senior pursuing a music degree at either a two year community college or four year university. Established in 2025, the Monte C. Gmur Memorial Scholarship, named after the longtime Director of the Sounds of Freedom, is awarded to a current college student enrolled in either a music for transfer program at a two year community college or a four year university music program with an emphasis in music education, music performance, music theory, or music composition. Scholarship applicants typically apply in early April and participate in rehearsals leading up to the band’s Annual Salute to the Armed Forces Concert in May, where the scholarship recipients are formally recognized and presented with their awards.