Ascend Performing Arts is proud to announce 2024’s Scholarship Recipients
Ascend Performing Arts is committed to making life-changing performing arts experiences available to all. While the financial obligations associated with marching in a World Class drum corps remains a relative bargain when compared to other elite music, sports camps, and leagues, our beloved activity does come at a significant operational cost to both the organization and the members.
The following scholarship funds have been designed to give individuals that possess the talent, desire, and commitment to be a member of the Blue Knights the ability to make that dream a reality, regardless of financial means.
The Jack Treffer Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor Jack R. Treffer, who was a former marching member of the Admirals Drum and Bugle Corps and a lifetime fan of drum corps. The Jack Treffer Scholarship has been awarded annually to a drum major of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps to honor Jack Treffer’s leadership as a drum major. The 2024 recipient is Alexis Brunney.
Alexis Brunney stands out in the drum corps world as a dedicated member of the Blue Knights, where she serves as drum major in her second year. Originally drawn to BK after feeling disheartened by other music programs, Alexis found a supportive community that solidified her decision to join. Her involvement with BK has been transformative, underscored by memorable moments like singing the corps song after their 2023 finals run. Alexis credits her growth to her drum major team and mentor Caleb Florence, emphasizing the community’s impact in fostering a sense of belonging and family. Alexis encourages future BK members to embrace their uniqueness, highlighting that diversity enhances the corps’ greatness. Her journey with the Blue Knights, supported by the Jack Treffer Scholarship, embodies dedication, leadership, and community spirit within the drum corps tradition.
The Gene Herring Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of Gene “Geno” Herring, a longtime DCI volunteer and a former corps director, by Gene’s son, J.P., and his wife, Joan. Recipients of this honor demonstrate a passion for the activity, display leadership skills, and exhibit an overall concern for the people around them, all qualities that Gene Herring saw in many of the members he served. The 2024 recipient is Anthony Samaniego.
Anthony Samaniego, a dedicated 20-year-old from El Paso, Texas, has made significant strides in the drum corps community as a member of the Blue Knights. Currently in his second year with BK, Anthony plays trumpet, which has bolstered his musical and professional development. His passion for BK was ignited upon discovering DCI and the corps’ distinctive sound. Anthony has contributed to BK by fostering a culture of calmness and accountability, describing this season as one of the corps’ best technically and culturally. His time with BK has cultivated punctuality and professionalism, skills he intends to apply in his pursuit of a career in music and potential role on the DCI staff post-aging out. He underscores the supportive DCI community and advocates for scholarships to reduce financial obstacles for aspiring musicians. Anthony’s journey with the Blue Knights embodies dedication and passion, reflecting the transformative power of drum corps in shaping young musicians’ lives and careers.
The Jeff Queen Snare Scholarship, was created by Jeff Queen, a professional musician, specializing in rudimental snare drumming. Jeff marched with Canton Bluecoats, the Velvet Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Blue Knights.
As a Blue Knights member, Queen was the Drum Corps International Individual and Ensemble Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995 as well as the Percussive Arts Society Individual Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995. He first rose to popularity while performing in Blast!, a Broadway musical. Queen has appeared on Late Show with David Letterman and performed at the 2001 NBA All-Star Game. Jeff donates as a recurring donor to support this scholarship for snare players. The 2024 recipient is David Chong.
David Chong, an 18-year-old from Centennial, Colorado is a first-year snare drummer with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and a member of the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble. David was fueled by friends and the influence of composer Jeff Ausdemore to try out for both groups. Receiving the Jeff Queen Scholarship has greatly supported David as he prepares for his first year of college. “This scholarship has helped me financially and allowed me to fulfill my dream of marching a world-class drum corps,” he shared. He aims to continue marching with the Blue Knights and hopes to teach at his high school drumline, contributing to Colorado’s marching percussion community.
One of David’s most memorable experiences was performing “Eyes” for a large crowd at the Pueblo community show. He credits the percussion staff for their guidance, which has enhanced his skills and confidence.
David is deeply grateful to his parents for their unwavering support and to Ascend Performing Arts for the scholarship that made his dream possible. “Support from the Blue Knights has allowed me to march this year and has made me a better drummer and a more dedicated individual,” he reflected. His advice to future Blue Knights members? “Cherish every day of the season. Although the season feels long, it will go by super fast, and I will never be able to march with this same group of people ever again. I have to make the most of every day with this amazing corps,” he emphasized.
The Phyllis M Coors Foundation was established in 1999 to support adult education, abused women and children, blindness research, and in recent years, scholarships to aid members in the performing arts. Ascend Performing Arts has been a fortunate recipient of these funds these last three years. The 2024 recipients are:
Ellah Manriquez
Jason Gibson II
Jayden Milbry
Joy Lee
Ascend Performing Arts Scholarship recipients:
Katie Grant
Luke Marroquin
Maya Washington
Sam Gonzales
Ascend would also like to congratulate members for receiving scholarships outside of our organization!
Ian Ray –2024 John Martin Hope Memorial Scholarship
Alexis Brunney –2024 Friends of DCI Scholarship
Caroline Niederhausen –2024 Friends of DCI Scholarship
Congratulations to all our 2024 Scholarship Recipients!