The Marilyn Kielniarz Memorial Scholarship was established by Handbell Musicians of America’s National Board of Directors in memory of, and to honor Marilyn Kielniarz. This scholarship is awarded to a music educator to attend National Seminar or Crescendo. For 2026, one scholarship will be awarded to National Seminar that supports the cost of registration, 6 hotel nights (to be booked by HMA), and $300 towards travel reimbursement. Also in 2026, one scholarship will be awarded for Crescendo, which will include the cost of registration and up to $300 in reimbursable travel expenses.

Application Criteria & Instructions

• Applicant needs to be an Individual member of Handbell Musicians of America, affiliated with a recognized Group member organization, or participant in a group directed by a Handbell Musicians of America member.
• Applicant must be a music educator working in a school setting.
• Applicant must demonstrate financial need.
• Applicant is to describe their desire to attend the event, articulate their goals to be realized by participating, and provide detail on how the knowledge gained there will be shared.
• If applicant is not a member of HMA, a statement of support is required from an Individual or Group HMA member, sharing why they believe the applicant would benefit from attending the event. This statement should be emailed to HMA executive director, Linda Onorevole, [email protected], by April 1, 2026.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (eastern) on April 1, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified by email.