Callan Bird Bear Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bird Bear Memorial Scholarship

The Bird Bear Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded in 2019 to honor our gifted young cellist Callan Bird Bear.

Callan, an MCE member,  was recognized for their musical talent, scholarship and outgoing personality.  Callan  identified as trans and was a youth leader in the  LGBTQ, HoChunk,  and Madison Cello Ensemble  communities . Callan’s smile lite up a room,  peers and teachers recalling that they were a friend to everyone! Callan’s legacy is honored by this scholarship.

Since founded, the Bird Bear Scholarship has been funded by their peers playing music to support other underserved youth in our annual Solstice Benefit and through community outreach. 

In the past five years our young cellists have performed at over 100 venues and events to raising over $20,000. These funds have directly support young cellists music and mindfulness education from queer and underserved communities.  MCE believes we can empower our youth to make a difference creating wellbeing in their own lives and communities through music. 

 The primary mission of MCE is to build mindfulness and musicianship as lifelong tools for resilience and good health! No student is ever turned away based on either experience or resources.  We are a non competitive inclusive musical community where all cellists thrive! In fact, embodying  Callan’s spirit of excellence,  over one million dollars in college scholarships have been awarded to MCE graduates since 2020. 

 Please join us in support of the endowing MCE so that we may continue to provide access to all aspiring young cellists. Motivation equals potential and talent! 

 Student Scholarship Applications are available in February and awards are made in May.  Students with extenuating needs based circumstances may contact madisoncelloensemble@gmail.com

No student is ever turned away based on ability to pay.