Scholarship will honor 1979 scholarship recipient Todd Chowan

For almost 80 years, Tuesday Musicale has been giving music awards to area students who standout in their talent. Since 1964, the club has underwritten scholarships annually to summer music camps for area students.

This year, the group is awarding The Todd Chowan Memorial Scholarship in honor of Todd Chowan, who died in December after a battle with cancer. He was 49 years old.

Donations from family and friends in memory of Chowan have made the first-time scholarship possible. Chowan was a Tuesday Musicale Summer Music Camp Scholarship recipient in 1979 and his family has designated memorials to the Tuesday Musicale Scholarship Fund.

Chowan was a 1980 graduate of Falls High School. During high school, he participated in band, chorus and the Dirty Dozen Band. He performed at Falls High All-Class reunions and had also presented a program at Rainy River Community College.

“(Chowan) loved to create music,” said Donna Frederickson, local piano teacher and retired music instructor. “(He) was always working at his music and writing new songs.”

One music student from International Falls, Littlefork-Big Falls, Indus or those who are home schooled, will receive the memorial scholarship to attend music camp.

Unlike other scholarships that will be awarded, the Chowan Memorial Scholarship is available to students who have already received two scholarships from Tuesday Musicale, as well as graduating seniors.

In a statement provided to The Journal, members of the Tuesday Musicale scholarship committee said, “We feel that this is a unique way to recognize students who are no longer eligible for the regular scholarship program, but still have much to contribute to the community and the world of music. It is an honor for us that his family chose this manner in which to memorialize Todd, who left a legacy of music for others to enjoy.”

Auditions will be held Tuesday morning at L-BF High School and continuing at Indus High School. Auditions in International Falls will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the music room. Students who are home schooled are also welcome to audition. All students may audition at any of the schools.