Anna Newell Brown
Just before Valentine’s Day, two local high school seniors took a step closer to pursuing their love of music in college, each winning a $3,500 Heritage Fund scholarship. Anyone facing current tuition rates for postsecondary education will understand the help provided by these awards.
Thanks to some foresighted generosity — which started before these two students were even born — Heritage Fund has annually hosted a music competition, recognized regionally and statewide, for Bartholomew County instrumental and vocal students.
The Brown Music Competition has provided funds for local seniors and underclass students to continue their music education. In addition to the awards, the students gain experience competing and being judged by a panel of experts from prestigious music schools.
It is an incredible opportunity for our community and our students. It happened because of thoughtful philanthropy springing from a love of music and a desire to honor a family legacy.
Robert N. and Betty F. Brown were deeply involved in the community, Heritage Fund and music. Bob and Betty developed the idea and provided funding for a vocal music competition named for Bob’s mother, Anna Newell Brown, in 1985. Later in 1992, Bob established a second competition for instrumental musicians, named in memory of wife Betty.
I look forward to this annual competition. The students are delightfully talented, polite and supportive of one another. They are a joy to be around. This year’s competition was at the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s beautiful Helen Haddad Hall. It is a stunning auditorium, and the judges marveled at the design and acoustics. Another philanthropic treasure for our community!
What an amazing and enduring tribute to these two women, who loved music and their community. The first scholarship provided by this fund in 1985 was $500. In 2022, our two first-place winners each received the sizable scholarships, and there were other smaller awards as well.
The Brown family’s investment at Heritage Fund, over time, has provided a meaningful boost for local students that is unique to our community. Philanthropy can provide an avenue for a family’s passion to take root in future generations.
