Eight college students recognized with academic awards supporting the future of bluegrass music.
The IBMA Foundation is proud to announce eight recipients of its 2026 college scholarships. These awards include the inaugural presentation of the Planning Stages Scholarship, established by Claire Armbruster and Jeff Koontz. The talented students selected this year are pursuing degrees in bluegrass music performance, audio production, songwriting, broadcast media, and business management.
The 2026 IBMA Foundation scholarship awardees are:
AnnMari Trakimowicz | Planning Stages Scholarship
AnnMari Trakimowicz, a senior at UNC Wilmington, is the first recipient of the Planning Stages Scholarship. A veteran guitarist, singer, and bandleader from a young age, AnnMari recently established the Listening Barn at Poplar Grove to bring live bluegrass performance, jamming, and old-time dance instruction to the Wilmington area. “I have always loved sharing music with others,” AnnMari said, “and my goal is to curate authentic bluegrass experiences for our community through performance and live hosting.”
Gabriel Mark | Mike Auldridge Memorial Scholarship
The Mike Auldridge Memorial Scholarship will go to Gabriel Mark, a guitarist and student in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program at East Tennessee State University. Mentored by Darin Aldridge, Gabriel brings over a decade of playing experience to ETSU, including performances at the Galax Fiddlers Convention and on tour opening for The Travelin’ McCourys. “At ETSU, I hope to strengthen my skills as a guitarist, collaborate with talented students, and expand my understanding of songwriting and performance,” Gabriel said. He plans to pursue a full-time career as a professional bluegrass performer upon graduation.
Gilbert Gwassa | J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship
The J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship will go to Gilbert Gwassa, an audio production, banjo, and dobro student at East Tennessee State University. Driven by a passion for live sound engineering and acoustic performance, Gilbert is working to master both technical booth production and high-level instrumental performance. “I aim to meld my passion and my livelihood into one,” Gilbert said. “My goal is to establish myself as a sound engineer while continuing to participate musically and contribute to this great tradition.”
Robert Myers | IBMA Bluegrass College Scholarship
Robert Myers will receive the 2026 IBMA Bluegrass College Scholarship to support his studies at Morehead State University, where he is currently a senior. A dedicated performing musician, songwriter, and arranger, Robert plays upright bass for the band Barkley Cove. In addition to original songwriting and session recording, he is expanding his expertise in studio production, live sound engineering, and song arrangement to prepare for a multi-faceted career in the bluegrass music industry.
Quinn Eastburn | Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship
Quinn Eastburn will receive the 2026 Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by bluegrass artist and former IBMA Foundation board member Becky Buller. Attending Berklee College of Music to major in Music Production and Engineering with a minor in Live Sound, Quinn combines a lifelong background in bluegrass performance with a passion for the technical side of the industry. Raised watching a home producer parent, Quinn’s goal is to work as a recording, mix, and live sound engineer for bluegrass artists, and eventually run a bluegrass-focused recording studio, while continuing to teach and perform.
Sophia Sparks | Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship
Sophia Sparks is the 2026 recipient of the Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship, awarded to women pursuing degrees in bluegrass music. Now attending Berklee College of Music, Sophia grew up immersed in the genre through her parents’ love of bluegrass and festival production. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when Sierra Hull invited nine-year-old Sophia onto the DelFest main stage-an experience that cemented her dedication to performing. At Berklee, Sophia is refining her instrumental technique, deepening her knowledge of music theory, and preparing for a versatile career in the music industry.
Audrey Marie Neel | Rick Lang Songwriter Scholarship
The Rick Lang Songwriter Scholarship will go to Audrey Marie Neel, a senior at East Tennessee State University pursuing a double major in Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Roots Music and Business Management. In addition to songwriting under the guidance of ETSU Artist in Residence Tim Stafford, Audrey plays fiddle
and guitar and is a vocalist. Having played music since early childhood and opened for Rhonda Vincent at age seven, Audrey’s passion for the genre led her directly to ETSU. “I see a natural connection between my musical roots and my business training,” Audrey said, “and I intend to use both to support my artistic goals and future career.” She is currently a member of The Becky Buller Band and The Wilder Flower. Audrey plans to graduate in December 2027 from ETSU.
Alarie Pflieger | Katy Daley Broadcast Media & Sound Engineering Scholarship
Alarie Pflieger is the 2026 recipient of the Katy Daley Broadcast Media & Sound Engineering Scholarship. Studying Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music at East Tennessee State University, Alarie is combining technical musical training with industry studies to launch her professional career. “The program at ETSU will help me achieve my goal by teaching me the more technical aspects of bluegrass music while providing valuable performance experience,” Alarie said. Aiming for
academic excellence alongside professional development, Alarie is preparing for a career as a professional musician and industry practitioner dedicated to preserving and growing the genre.
These awards are made possible through the generous support of individual donors, family foundations, and endowed funds who share a vision for nurturing the next generation of bluegrass leaders. The IBMA Foundation extends its deep gratitude to these supporters, whose contributions directly invest in the education, future careers, and overall growth of promising young artists and industry professionals worldwide. While permanent endowments established at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help fund these scholarships, additional donations are essential to sustain and increase the annual award amounts. To learn more about applying for scholarships, making a donation, or establishing an endowed fund, please visit www.bluegrassfoundation.org
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