Each year KHS America awards a college scholarship to a member of the United States Army All American Marching Band (USAAAMB). Made up of 101 high school seniors from around the country, members of the band who are pursuing a career in music education can apply for a $1,000 College Scholarship from KHS America.  There were 17 applicants this year and the winner was announced during the band’s banquet in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 6th.  The 2018 winner was Elissa Travis from Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ. “It was a surreal moment for me! The entire Bowl week was truly a once in a lifetime experience and accepting this scholarship in front of so many talented USAAAMB members, my family, and my school band director was an incredible and emotional moment for me I will never forget”, stated Elissa.

Ms. Travis plans to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ in the fall.  Elissa started playing the French horn in her 6th grade band but it wasn’t until her junior year she decided to join marching band and play the mellophone. “Playing in high-level ensembles and working closely with my band directors influenced my love for performance, but after joining marching band my junior year, I found the missing piece and my love for the marching arts grew quickly, stated Elissa.  She is thankful how band has helped guide her in how to work hard towards a common goal. “Band has taught me that it takes drive, responsibility, and passion to achieve a goal in its entirety; it is not about the end result, but everything you learn along the journey to reach the result.”

As part of the application process, students must submit an essay on why they are interested in becoming a music educator along with a letter of recommendation for their band director.

Ms. Travis’s music director, Julie Trent says “Elissa will be a tremendous addition to our music education community.  As a future band director, I am sure she will reach her students with a kind and loving demeanor while holding high standards for musical achievement.”

“Knowing the quality of students who get selected to be a part of US Army All American Marching Band is why we at KHS America are proud to offer a scholarship to a future music educator” states Education Manager Rick DeJonge. “We need people like Elissa Travis in our schools as a music teacher and this scholarship is one of the ways we can help”.