Cabasco and Wagner receive Russ Larsen Music Scholarships

The Russ Larsen Scholarship is presented to one or more Walla Walla High School Seniors who plan to major or minor in music in college. The funds for this scholarship are generated by the Walla Walla High School Holiday Concert admissions. Russ Larsen was the Walla Walla High School Band Director and Music Coordinator for the School district from 1950 – 1973. He was a terrific teacher, and incredibly talented musician, as well as a caring, selfless individual. In our selection each year, the music staff strives to choose young people who exemplify some of Russ Larsen’s characteristics.

2016-2017 recipients are Hannah Cabasco and Kelsey Wagner:

Hannah is the daughter of Tony Cabasco and Megan Blair-Cabasco, and will receive a $1000 scholarship. She will be attending St. Olaf University in Northfield, Minnesota in the fall and will be in the Bachelor of Music program. Hannah has played clarinet in the Walla Walla High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band all four years of high school from 2013-2017. She is a member of the Whitman College Orchestra and Whitman College Wind Ensemble. Hannah also participated in several honor groups including the Western International Band Clinic, All Northwest and All State. She participated in the Regional solo & ensemble all 4 years and the State solo & ensemble the last three years, placing 2nd in the state in 2016-2017. Hannah hopes to use this education to play in a professional ensemble or to possibly teach clarinet at a college or university.

Kelsey Wagner will receive a $500 scholarship. She is the daughter of William and Lisa Wagner and will be attending Dixie State University in St. George, Utah in the fall and will be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She is a choir member, participating in Treble Ensemble her Freshman year, Belles Voix her Sophomore year, and Concert Choir and Chamber Singers her Junior and Senior years. Kelsey participated in All State Treble Choir her Senior year. She also participated in Regional solo & ensemble all 4 years of high school. After college, Kelsey hopes to become a music teacher, either as a private vocal instructor or a choir teacher in a public school.