In 1997, Hal Leonard worked with Winona State University to create a scholarship that would honor their founders, the late Harold “Hal” Edstrom, Everett “Leonard” Edstrom, and Roger Busdicker.
All three of the men attended Winona State University (then known as Winona State Teachers College) and while in school formed the “Campus Kings Band.” After graduation, both brothers began their careers as school band directors (Harold began his teaching career right at his alma mater) and found they had a flare for arranging popular music of the day. Other band directors started asking the Edstroms for their arrangements and that began their journey into music publishing.
To date, the Hal Leonard Edstrom and Busdicker Families Scholarship fund has awarded 128 individual scholarships. Awards are provided annually to full-time students who have a declared major in the Music Program. In addition to scholastic requirements, the students must also show ability and promise in the field of music. A faculty committee within the Music Department chooses the recipients.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the fact our founding fathers were band directors and music educators,” said Keith Mardak, chairman at Hal Leonard. “We are happy to keep their legacy alive at the school where it all began.”
Photo: Harold “Hal” Edstrom and Everett “Leonard” Edstrom
