The Mary Fancher and Kirk Taylor Music Scholarships : Criteria 2024-2025

The Rocky River Music Backers will award two,  $1000 scholarships to a graduating senior who fits these criteria (2 separate scholarships will be awarded): 

1. Senior must be a current member of the Instrumental or Vocal Music Program this school year and last school year (consecutive years). If the student is new to Rocky River, they must have participated in their former school’s Instrumental or Vocal Music Program the prior year.

2. Senior will be attending college in the fall to pursue a music-related major or minor (e.g. music education, music [including vocal] performance, music tech, music admin, music therapy, composition, music history, music theory, musical theater, etc.,). Preference will be given to music majors, with consideration for music minors. 

Note: Rocky River High School Local Scholarship Selection Committee will choose the recipient of the Music Backers Senior Scholarship, selecting from the pool of local scholarship applicants that apply through the high school application process. This committee may reach out to the music director to verify eligibility. 

The Mary Fancher Music Scholarship 

The Mary Fancher Music Scholarship awards one senior who has participated in a high school instrumental or vocal music program for at least two consecutive years and will continue their musical studies at a college or university. 

Mary’s impact on Northeast Ohio and Rocky River’s young musicians spans over three decades from grades 3 through 8th. She is a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor who, during her tenure in our schools, encouraged students to challenge themselves to try new experiences such as Solo and Ensemble contests, or school musicals and talent shows. Mary was the faculty advisor for the anti-bullying club as well as the middle school talent show and mentored over 200 singers in the Regional Honors Choir. Evident in her repertoire selections, Mary knew the importance of educating our students on music from all over the world, where they could explore diverse musical traditions and genres, and find joy in performing.

As the scholarship winner embarks on their post graduation musical studies, Mary advises students to aim to establish a strong foundation in music theory, history, and composition while seeking experiences that foster growth both as musicians and individuals. College is an exciting time of discovery and exploration, where they can develop the skills and connections that will support their dreams and help them become creative, generous individuals who will positively impact the world.

The Kirk Taylor Music Scholarship 

“Whatever you are asked to do, do your best.  It may not be as good as or it may be better than someone else, but it needs to be your best.” -Kirk Taylor

The Kirk Taylor Music Scholarship awards one senior who has participated in a high school instrumental or vocal music program for at least two consecutive years and will continue their musical studies at a college or university. 

Kirk Taylor was an educator in Northeast Ohio for 33 years where he served as Rocky River High School Director of Bands for 28 years, 8 of which he was the Rocky River City Schools Music Department Chair. 

His legacy includes guiding young musicians to consider that in order for an organization to function at its best, every individual person and individual part is important. Students and directors were always thought to be part of an individual group rather than a group of individuals.  Kirk tried to convey to all that any particular individual who may receive accolades for a performance would never have had the opportunity without the efforts of several others who may not receive the same and regardless of where you are, do the next right thing that moves towards or maintains the greater good.