Leah Rowley and Trenton Willams awarded the 2024 Carolyn Reid Ogden piano scholarship from the Utah Music Foundation
Leah Rowley
May 29, 2024
Salt Lake City, UT — Utah Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships to musical students from Utah communities, is thrilled to announce Leah Rowley and Trenton Williams as the recipients of the 2024 Carolyn Reid Ogden piano scholarship.
Leah Rowley is a 2024 graduate of Manti High School in Manti, Utah and will be attending Southern Utah University. “I am so grateful to be receiving the Carolyn Reid Ogden Scholarship!” says Ms. Rowley. “Music has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I love being able to bless the lives of those around me with the magic of piano. I started piano when I was seven and have been learning and growing ever since. It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn from my Aunt and my Mother and I look forward to using what they've taught me throughout the rest of my life. I want to thank the family of Carolyn Reid Ogden for being so generous! You will never know how big an impact you are making on me and so many others. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”
Trenton Williams
Trent Williams is a 2024 graduate of Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Utah and will be attending Southern Utah University.
“I have been playing the piano for nearly 12 years. I began when I was 6 years old, and for the past 5 years, I have been self-taught,” says Mr. Williams. “I competed at State Solo and Ensemble this year taking Rachmaninoff’s Op. 23 No. 5, receiving a superior rating. Rachmaninoff has become my favorite composer. Piano and music have become such a major part of my life. In addition to playing the piano, I also teach piano students.”
“On top of both playing and teaching, I tune and repair pianos. I took an online piano tuning and repair course offered by The Piano Technician’s Academy and have been developing my skills in that area for nearly two years now. I currently have a call to serve a religious mission in Fukuoka Japan for two years. Upon returning from Japan, I plan to attend Southern Utah University.”
These $500 scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s involvement in piano, a recorded performance, and a brief essay. This short essay invites students to reflect on piano has influenced their lives and how they will be involved in piano going forward.
This scholarship is made possible through generous contributions from the family and friends of Carolyn Reid Ogden. The creation of a piano scholarship in her name is a fitting tribute to her life's work and a testament to the immeasurable impact she had on those around her.
To view prior year scholarship recipients, please visit the Utah Music Foundation website.
For more information, please contact: info@utahmusicfoundation.org
About Carolyn Reid Ogden
Carolyn Reid Ogden spent her life uplifting others through music, education, and generosity. Carolyn was born and raised in Manti, Utah. She attended Snow College and graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She married C. Paul Ogden and had three children, nine grand children and six great grandchildren.
Carolyn’s exceptional talent as a pianist and chorister, coupled with her passion for education, made her a shining example of dedication and excellence in the world of music. She was involved in vocal groups, piano solos and accompanying different musical groups from high school through Snow College and beyond. Her many contributions to the Utah music community include: pianist for the Manti High School dance band, the pianist Snow College Dance band, Ward primary chorister, South Ogden Stake Primary chorister, T.O. Smith Elementary school choir (14 years), Koosharem Elementary school choir, organist in the Manti and Nauvoo temples, and Mesa Valley Estates choir and pianist. Her favorite quote- “Thank you for the music, the songs they’re singing, thanks for all the joy they’re bringing! Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty?” - Abba
Carolyn was also a gifted educator. Carolyn was a school teacher in the Provo City School District and Ogden City School District. She specialized in Kindergarten-Third grade. She shared her love of music with the students she taught and organized children’s choirs wherever she went.
Carolyn was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in multiple capacities, including: Nauvoo temple missionary April to November 2011, 14 years at the Manti temple, organist – in multiple wards, church literacy missionary, family history library and more.
Carolyn Reid Ogden left her mortal journey on January 7, 2023 in St. George. She was with loved ones when she departed peacefully for her next adventure.
About Utah Music Foundation
Founded in 2018, the Utah Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students in Utah reach their musical and academic potential. Utah Music Foundation offers scholarships to musical high school students to help alleviate the financial burden of their college education. Utah Music Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a public charity with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Visit www.UtahMusicFoundation.org for more information.