Tribute Funds

Distinguished alumni, faculty, and supporters of the Michigan State University College of Music are often honored with the creation of a fund that supports students and programs in the college while allowing others to donate to and grow the fund over time. Below is a list of our honorees with links to add your support and pay tribute to the fund’s namesake.

Kenneth G. Bloomquist Fellowship Fund in Wind Conducting

Remembered fondly as an enthusiastic and effective leader, Kenneth G. Bloomquist served on the faculty of the College of Music for 22 years before his retirement in 1993. During his tenure, Ken was Director of Bands from 1970–78 and served as the Director of the School of Music from 1978–89, and again Director of Bands from 1989–92. Ken was the driving force that transformed the then Department of Music into the School of Music beginning in 1984.

Jennifer M. Ginther Spartan Marching Band Endowed Scholarship

Jennifer Marie (Vincent) Ginther was a proud Michigan State University alumna whose life was deeply intertwined with music and education. A graduate of MSU with a degree in Music Education, Jennifer was a mellophone player with the Spartan Marching Band and a lifelong supporter of the College of Music. She carried her passion for music into her 28-year teaching career at Southfield Public Schools, where she inspired countless students. After retiring, Jennifer’s dedication to music continued as the Director of Music Ministry at Milford Presbyterian Church and through her work with numerous ensembles and organizations. Her exceptional contributions to the arts were widely recognized, including receiving Member Emeritus honors from the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Jennifer’s legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the Spartan Marching Band Endowed Scholarship established in her honor.

Lance LaDuke Brass Area Scholarship

The Lance LaDuke Brass Scholarship honors Lance LaDuke’s lasting impact on the MSU community and his inspiring journey from Spartan Marching Band member to internationally celebrated musician and educator. A 1990 graduate in Instrumental Music Education, Lance’s career spanned the U.S. Air Force Band, River City Brass, and Boston Brass, touching audiences worldwide. At Carnegie Mellon University, he championed innovation in music through pioneering programs that blended performance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Lance’s legacy of creativity, mentorship, and humor lives on through this scholarship, supporting future brass students at MSU and continuing the work he so passionately believed in.

Organ Scholarship in memory of Dr. Stephen R. Lange

Dr. Stephen Lange received three degrees in music and one in mathematics from Michigan State University. Dr. Lange went on to become the choir director and minister of music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Lansing for 45 years and directed the Lange Choral Ensemble for 47 years. Nancy Lange established this fund in memory of Dr. Lange which is awarded annually to students enrolled in organ studies as funds are available.

Flute Scholarship in Honor of Alexander Murray’s Distinguished Career

Alexander Murray served as Professor of Flute at MSU from 1967-74 and retired from the University of Illinois in 2003. Formerly principal flute with the London Symphony and Covent Garden Opera, he has taught at the Royal College, Royal Academy, and Royal Northern College in England, the Royal Dutch Conservatory in the Hague, and the National Music Camp at Interlochen. He has recorded extensively with the London Symphony Orchestra and made solo albums for Pandora Records. With his wife Joan, Alex founded and directed the Urbana Center for the Alexander Technique where they have trained more than 60 Alexander teachers. He is the editor of Skill and Poise, a collection of Raymond Dart’s papers, and a series of booklets on the Alexander Technique and philosopher John Dewey. Those who wish to support the MSU Flute studio and honor Mr. Murray are invited to make a contribution to this endowed scholarship. Undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Music who are studying the flute will be eligible for this award.

David C. Rayl Choral Programs Endowment

After 20 years at the College of Music, Dr. David Rayl retired in 2023 as the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. Celebrate Dr. Rayl’s tenure at Michigan State University with a gift to the David C. Rayl Choral Programs Endowment, which will support choral area activities at the College of Music.

Dr. Jonathan Reed Choral Programs Endowment

Celebrate Dr. Jonathan Reed’s 32 years on faculty at the College of Music with a gift in his honor to the Dr. Jonathan Reed Choral Programs Endowment. “Doc” has taught thousands of students, prepared a generation of Michigan teachers, influenced the landscape of leadership in higher education through work with graduate students in choral conducting, and brought joy and light to the choral classroom. The Dr. Jonathan Reed Choral Programs Endowment will make it possible to train the next generation of classroom teachers and support the work of graduate students dedicated to choral art.

Jim Self and Philip Sinder Endowment for Tuba and Euphonium

After 43 years of teaching Tuba and Euphonium at MSU, 2025 marks the retirement of Phil Sinder. To celebrate his remarkable impact, gifts can be made in his honor to the Jim Self and Philip Sinder Endowment for Tuba and Euphonium. This will help ensure Professor Sinder’s legacy continues to inspire future MSU tuba players. The endowment, which funds an annual scholarship award and general-purpose resources for the studio, was established in 2022 by Phil in collaboration with American tubist and composer Jim Self.

MSU Alumni Band Music Education Scholarship in honor of August (Augie) Thoma 

August “Augie” Thoma, a passionate member of the MSU Alumni Band, passed away on September 24, 2023. Augie played alto sax and had been attending every MSUAB fall reunion since his MSU graduation in 1976. He was often accompanied by his family members who are also MSU graduates: his sons Matthew (trumpet) and Christopher (alto sax), his daughter Megan (alto sax), and her husband Joe “Ham” Blauwiekel (tuba). Augie taught for 24 years at Rochester (MI) High School and served as the Director of Music Ministry for 35 years at St. John Fisher University Parish in Auburn Hills. After retirement, he continued to work as an adjunct music instructor, a tour guide for school music groups, and as a Music Director and Conductor. We kindly request that donations in his honor be made to the MSU Alumni Band Music Education Scholarship in honor of August (Augie) Thoma.