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The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce the launch of our new annual Scholarship Competition, culminating in live performances and award presentations at the first annual Scholarship Gala on March 28, 2026. This exciting new event celebrates young musicians and composers, offering opportunities for both high school and college students to showcase their artistry and further their musical education.
Four distinguished memorial scholarships will be awarded:
The Minnick Memorial Scholarship for high school instrumentalists (ages 14–18) through a concerto competition awarding $750;
The Carrington Memorial Scholarship for college instrumentalists (ages 19–25) through a concerto competition awarding $1,000;
The Weisenbaker Memorial Scholarship for college composers (ages 19–25), offering $1,000 and a professional recording by the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra; and
The Nimifaa Memorial Scholarship for high school MSO instrumentalists, providing $500 toward private lessons.
Weldon Minnick Memorial Scholarship
High School Division Concerto Competition
Age: 14-18
High School Division Concerto Competition
Deadline for Entry: January 1, 2026
Entry Fee:
$30 for Round 1 - paid upon entry submission
$20 for Round 2 - if selected for Round 2, paid upon notification of advancement
Age: 14 - 18. Student should be no younger than 14 by competition performance date (March 28th, 2026) and no older than 18 by competition performance date (March 28th, 2026)
Requirement: The student must be enrolled in school (public, private, or home-schooled)
Amount: $750; payment made directly to a higher education institution
Concerto Requirements: Need to play one movement from the repertoire list or multiple movements for up to 10 minutes
This scholarship bears the name of one of the driving forces in the creation of the MSO. Weldon was involved in both playing and conducting the Orchestra during those early years. He was also active on the Board of Directors during the first four years of the MSO's existence.
Weldon's involvement in the Orchestra was one that evoked growth and for that reason we are proud to have Weldon Minnick's name on the first scholarship that the MSOA established.
College Concerto Competition
Deadline for Entry: January 1, 2026
Entry Fee:
$30 for Round 1 - paid upon entry submission
$20 for Round 2 - if selected for Round 2, paid upon notification of advancement
Age: 19 - 25; Student should be no younger than 19 by competition performance date (March 28th, 2026) and no older than 25 by the competition performance date (March 28th, 2026)
Requirement: Must be attending a current educational institution
Award of $1000; payment made directly to a higher education institution
Concerto Requirements: Full concerto from the repertoire list
Beginning the 1997-98 season, the MSOA began working to endow a second scholarship. We are pleased that the endowment has been achieved. It was accomplished primarily through the efforts of one of the members of the MSO, Dr. H.H. Johns, Jr. His hard work enabled the MSOA to create the David L. Carrington Memorial Scholarship.
Mr. Carrington dedicated his life to exploration, education and above all creating opportunities for others to enjoy life as he obviously did. This scholarship, dedicated to providing private lessons to a middle school string player attending classes in the Mesquite Independent School District, will carry the Carrington name, symbolizing David's heartfelt love of music and the arts.
David L. Carrington Memorial Scholarship
College Division Concerto Competition
Age: 19-25
Ralph Wisenbaker Memorial Scholarship
College Division: Composition Competition
Age: 19-25
College Division: Composition Competition
Deadline for Entry: December 13th, 2025 at 11:59PM
Entry Fee: $30
Age: 19 - 25; Student should be no younger than 19 by competition performance date (March 28th, 2026) and no older than 25 by the competition performance date (March 28th, 2026)
Requirement: Must be attending a current educational institution
Award of $1000; payment made directly to a higher education institution + Professional Recording from Mesquite Symphony Orchestra
Composition Requirements:
Instrumentation is based on the standard orchestral instrumentation (Full strings with Standard 2/2/2/2 Wind Section with options for: English Horn, Bass Clarinet, and Contrabassoon)
No less than six minutes, and no more than 15 minutes
Work can be any type of composition style except concerto
Please submit a MIDI realization of your work along with a PDF version of the score
This scholarship fund was begun in memory of Ralph Wisenbaker, a long time supporter of the performing arts in Mesquite. The initial funding was substantially provided by the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra Guild.
Mr. Wisenbaker, together with his wife Jeann, have greatly enriched our orchestra and arts community with their many contributions. As we enjoy and appreciate the fruits of their efforts we can participate by becoming involved financially and other ways, and support the efforts they have begun.
The success of the arts in Mesquite is influenced greatly by the support and involvement of each of you, and in this way we can all work to pave the way for the pleasure and enrichment of our present as well as future generations.
High School Lesson Scholarship
Deadline for Entry: March 14, 2026
Entry Fee: None
Age: 14 - 18; Any student of age who has not reached their birthday by the scholarship award date (March 28th, 2026)
Award: $500
Requirements: Must be a high school instrumentalist performing with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra - lesson scholarship paid to teacher via invoice.
In October 2002, Angela Nimifaa lost her battle with the many physical problems she fought for so long. Before her passing, she made an indelible mark on the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra and the entire organization.
Angela was a teacher, a performer, a composer, a lover of the Renaissance and most importantly, our friend. Her passion for living, to live life to the fullest, in spite of her ailments, was inspirational and an example ot everyone with whom she came into contact. To honor her and make sure that her name is always linked with the MSO, scholarship in her name was established.
This scholarship serves to reward a young player in the orchestra, contributing to their study of their instrument and in music.
Angela Nimifaa Memorial Scholarship
High School student musicians performing with the MSO
Age: 14-18