2025 SEIMA Project Winners
WE ARE SO PROUD OF ALL THE ENTRIES INTO THE SEIMA PROJECT
- Testimonials -
“The SEIMA Project is a great opportunity for positive feedback and encouragement. The process is quick and simple. I will undoubtedly encourage my own students and others to audition. The money is helping me as a school percussion educator and founder of my own jazz ensemble”. - Peyton Vann 2024 SEIMA Project Winner
“The SEIMA Project was wonderful. I’m honored to represent our area as a musician. I already feel the impact of local musicians on my musical success. I am honored to have this opportunity“. - Mary Hallgarth 2024 SEIMA Project Winner
“I knew I had to audition when Dan Borns, my Choir Director recommended it. The SEIMA Project helped me become more experienced and confident in my abilities. Thank you“. - Matthew Skinner 2024 SEIMA Project Winner
“I can’t say how neat it is, that we have a local project/experience that gives up and coming musicians a way to show their skills before heading off to college, trade school, apprenticeships or a career in music…..The process is simple and rewarding.” - CRYSTAL JOY POWERS - Director of the Southeastern Indiana Youth Orchestra
“The SEIMA PROJECT is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians from Southeast Indiana to showcase their talents and receive financial support…..It has given my students confidence in their abilities and helped them to reach their goals.” - DONNA TANNER - Music Department Head, Choral Director and Asst. Drama Director of East Central High School.
SEIMA PROJECT WINNERS
2022 - 2025
(2025)
$1000 to Maria Gaddini - (Franklin County) - is an exceptional harpist, studying privately with Rachel Miller, playing for weddings and other occasions, while being Home Schooled. She will soon have a website, promote her talents and share them with as many people and organizations as possible. After graduation she plans to attend the University Of Cincinnati Conservatory Of Music and pursue a Music Education Degree there.
$1000 to Ayden Ketchem - (Dearborn County) is a graduate of East Central High School and now a student at the University Of Cincinnati College Conservatory Of Music seeking a Performance Degree on the bassoon. He is being coached to audition for the New York Philharmonic Contrabassoon position at this time. He will attend a prestigious Opera Academy Summer Program in Italy
$350 to Lane Deaton - (Franklin County) - is a Chet Akins/Tommy Emanual study, who started playing music at the age of 4. He has entered the Indiana Fingerstyle Competition and wants to bring others joy through his music, perform as much as possible and get a music degree in the future
$350 to Nehemiah Nelson - (Dearborn County) - , a Home-schooled student, started playing piano at the age of 5 during the time his older brothers were taking piano lessons. He has self-taught himself through listening and using YouTube videos to accomplish a very high level of ear training and interpretation of many different styles.
$350 to Alysun Simon - (Ripley County) - a student at Batesville High School, has participated in all of the music oriented programs they offer. She deeply loves performing especially solo opportunities. She has her eye on studying music at the New York University Tisch School Of The Arts
(2024)
$1000 - Peyton Vann - Switzerland County - Seeking a degree in Music Education at Northern Kentucky University. Percussion Director of Batesville H.S. - Future plans as a director for Competition Drum and Bugle Corp International. Playing locally.
$1000 - Mary Hallgarth - Dearborn County - Attending Vanderbilt University majoring in Biochemistry and participating in their music program.
$1000 - Matthew Skinner - Ripley County - Batesville H.S. Senior and will attend college in the medical field.
$350 - Adria Combs - Ripley County - Batesville H.S. and will continue in music after graduation.
$350 - Rylan Stephens - Dearborn County - Will continue in the Southeastern Indiana Youth Orchestra.
(2023)
$1000 - Kamdyn Metcalf - Dearborn County - East Central H.S. Senior. Plans a degree in photography while pursuing a songwriting and recording career after graduation.
$1000 - Maggie Weberding - Ripley County - Attending Ball State with elective classes in voice and theater.
$350 - Riley Gillespie - Dearborn County - Attending Taylor University majoring in Chemistry and plays in their orchestra.
$350 - Jeremiah Barkdoll - Dearborn County - Attending Belmont University studying music production.
$350 - Jamey Rowe - Franklin County - Studying music online at Berklee College of Music.
$350 - Peyton Vann - Switzerland County - (see $1000 winner in 2024)
$350 - Earl Wilhelm - Dearborn County - Working musician, playing and recording locally.
(2022)
$1000 - Rachel Holt - Ripley County - Signed recording contract with Baste Records. Currently lives in Nashville TN. Performing there and locally.
$1000 - London Scholle - Dearborn County - Bachelor Degree in Music Composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Applying for a graduate degree in Music Composition at prestigious Universities in the U.S.
$350 - Mialani Deli Jones - Dearborn County - Pursuing a Medical Degree at the University Of Cincinnati.
$350 - Drake Mitchell - Dearborn County - Attending Belmont University and performing locally
$350 - Earl Wilhelm - Dearborn County - (see $350 winner in 2023)