Doug Wareing (1928-2018) lived a life of music. Affectionately nicknamed “Papa Smurf,” he was a mighty man of limitless energy and dedication – a teacher and mentor who touched the lives of countless students and community members. Through his selfless giving, often out his own pocket, there was never a student without an instrument or a ride to an early morning rehearsal.
A driving force for live music in Eastern Idaho, especially big band jazz, Mr. Wareing played from the soul and taught from the heart. He was actively involved in leading bands until his death at age 90. He gave many a love for music, for each other, and for life. He inspired his students beyond any boundary or horizon they put on themselves. Countless students and music-lovers have their our own Mr. Wareing story. His influence changed our lives for the better.
To honor his life of service to his students and the music community, and with the support of his family, we invite you to generously support this scholarship fund.
Memorial Scholarship
The annual scholarship award will support a qualified student who will begin higher education pursuits in music or music education. Applicants must be attending or have attended high schools in Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Jefferson, or Madison Counties in Idaho, or Weber High School in Pleasant View, Utah.
All qualified applicants are invited to apply before March 15th.
Recipients
2024
The 2024 Douglas Wareing Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Ashlyn Haworth. Ashlyn performs with the Idaho Falls High School Marching Band, at North Star Independent, and plays the organ for church services. She specializes in music composition.
Ashlyn writes, “I am excited for the next step in my musical advancement. I plan to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho in the Fall of 2024 and major in video production and minor in music with an emphasis in composition. I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
2023
Rebekah Grover has been awarded the 2023 Douglas Wareing Memorial Scholarship. She demonstrates exceptional academic and musical commitment and vision. Her past and future efforts reflect the spirit of music that was embodied by Mr. Wareing. She has played trombone and euphonium for 6 years, and has learned French horn, flute, clarinet, tuba, and a few others. She is a four-year member of the Idaho Falls Symphony Youth Orchestra, a three-year Idaho All-State Band participant, and has earned many other accolades for her musical accomplishments.
Rebekah writes, “After I graduate from college and become a middle or high school band director, I believe that my contributions as a music educator will help teach and spread the art of music to the younger generation.”
2022
The recipient of the 2022 Douglas Wareing Memorial Scholarship is Lindi Wilcox. Lindi is a 4.0 student from Skyline High School. Her talents on the violin have been refined over a decade, including playing with the Idaho Falls Youth Symphony and Idaho All State orchestra. Lindi hopes to continue to carry on Mr. Wareing’s legacy by teaching future generations the love of music.
Lindi writes, “I will begin studying music education at Brigham Young University Idaho in the fall and I am very excited to have the opportunity to improve myself and to continue to learn.”
2021
Gracie Packer is the 2021 Douglas Wareing Memorial Scholarship recipient. Gracie began playing the violin in 5th grade and has earned many awards throughout her musical journey while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Snake River High School. She teaches violin, viola, guitar, and ukelele, and volunteers to help beginner music students improve their talents.
Gracie will be pursuing a degree in Music Education at BYU-Idaho. She writes, “Earning a degree in Music Education will aid me in my journey to become an impactful music teacher like Mr. Wareing. I am so excited to see the new opportunities and experiences that will come as I pursue a career in music.”
2020
The 2020 Scholarship was awarded to Sarah Naomi Drowns, a senior at Hillcrest High School. Sarah began her passion for music by playing the guitar, but expanded her talents to flute, saxophone, and percussion. She will be studying music education at Idaho State University.
Sarah writes, “I am so grateful for being honored with this scholarship. I will use this scholarship to help fund my schooling to become a music teacher for high school students. This scholarship will help me give back to the music community by inspiring others to share their music around the world.”
2019
Alexa Hansen is the 2019 Douglas Wareing Memorial Scholarship recipient. She is a senior at Snake River High School in Blackfoot, Idaho. Her passion for music started with the piano, then she went on to play the flute, piccolo, organ and then percussion (Another drummer? Mr. Wareing would be so proud!). She will be studying music education at Idaho State University this fall.
“This scholarship money will go toward paying for my classes, so I can give back to my community through my education. I would like to influence people just like Mr. Wareing did. His life and influence will never be forgotten,” Alexa wrote.