I would like to thank all of the college music majors that applied for this year’s scholarship.  Once again, it was extremely difficult to narrow the winner down to just one individual.  Each applicant had a unique narrative and should be commended for their musical aptitude.

The winner of the 2021 Wilshire Quinn Musical Arts Scholarship is Ethan Clay from Indiana University.  Ethan, an accomplished cellist originally from Chicago, will be entering his second year at the Jacobs School of Music.

As a high school junior in Louisiana, Clay was selected for the prestigious honor of playing at Carnegie Hall as part of the Honors Performance Series.  Ethan’s talent and dedication to the cello also earned him the role of assistant principal cellist in the Louisiana All-State Orchestra, first chair of the Multi-District Honor Orchestra, and an honored membership in the Baton Rouge High String and Symphony Orchestras.

Ethan’s musical inspirations include Yo-Yo Ma, Thelonius Monk, Barry Harris, and Tyler the Creator.  Ethan is a well-rounded individual who also plays the piano and produces his own music.

We are in awe of Ethan’s life journey and how music has helped him navigate through certain challenges in his life.  His music submission and personal statement were moving, and his accomplishments as a cellist throughout the years are significant.

On behalf of everyone at Wilshire Quinn, we congratulate Ethan and we look forward to reviewing applications for next year’s scholarship.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Garcia
CEO