Maurice Taylor Memorial Scholarship

August, 3, 2009: Maurice Taylor passed away in 2001, but his amazing legacy lives on. Jack Yeager, Janet Taylor and A. Ralph Taylor have contributed to establishing a scholarship in his memory.

The scholarship, which will benefit a student from Montrose or Elk Lake, will be awarded to a graduating senior with a GPA of at least 2.5, who has actively participated in the high school music program, either vocal or instrumental, and will major in music in college. Donations to the fund are tax deductible and can be directed to the Community Foundation.

Maurice Taylor was a legendary teacher, band leader, and music publisher who created a system of teaching that was used around the world, and is still followed to this day. Maurice, disappointed with the available books, developed and published his own method, authoring a total of 158 titles before selling his music publishing business. His books, Easy Steps to the Band, are estimated to have helped teach between six to eight million students how to play as a group. Mr. Taylor taught at Montrose High School from 1927 to 1955 and then again from 1967 to 1972.

Maurice recognized that this region was home to many talented musicians and was dedicated to helping them realize their full potential. For more information on this scholarship and the Community Foundation in general, please visit www.community-foundation.org .