Reno Pops Orchestra
Hillary Case Memorial Scholarship Program

The Reno Pops Orchestra has established a scholarship fund in memory of Hillary Case, a dedicated violinist and member of the orchestra for many years. The “Reno Pops Hillary Case Memorial Scholarship” will be awarded to graduating high school seniors and college students to continue their college studies. If you would like to make a donation in the memory of Dr. Hillary Case Ake, please make your check payable to:

Community Foundation of Western Nevada
1885 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 103
Reno, NV 89509

Please write Reno Pops Orchestra Scholarship Fund on the memo line so that your donation gets credited to the correct scholarship. Donations may also be made online at www.nevadafund.org.




2010 Scholarship Winner: Eric Kao.
Eric Kao is the scholarship winner for the 2010-11 season and is a double major at the University of Nevada Reno. Eric is an outstanding pianist, plays viola in the Pops, and is majoring in both music and Civil Engineering. He plans to complete his degrees and then earn a Master's degree in piano accompaniment. Eric was the soloist in November 2009 with the Reno Pops, as the winner of the First Annual Reno Pops Concerto Festival. He played the Saint-Seans Piano ConcertNo. 2 in G minor. Eric enjoys many activities which include running, basketball, camping and kayaking.





2009 Scholarship Winner: Chris Thomas.
Chris Thomas has been a trombonist in the Reno Pops for over five years. He also serves as the student representative on the board of directors. He received a bachelor's of science degree in physics in Dec. 2008 and is currently a PhD student in physics at the University of Nevada, Reno. His area of interest is atomic and molecular physics. He plans to complete his education around 2013.





2008 Scholarship Winner: Lysa Gelles.
Ms. Gelles is principal violist of the Reno Pops Orchestra and has been a member for five years. She also serves as the music librarian for the orchestra. Lysa graduated with her degree in music education at the University of Nevada, Reno.

2007 Scholarship Winner: Raymundo Gamboa Jacinto.
Raymundo Gamboa Jacinto was the first recipient of the Reno Pops Hillary Case Memorial Scholarship. Ray graduated with a duel degree in music and biology at the University of Nevada Reno. Ray plans to acquire a Master's in music and certification for physicians assistant. Ray, a bassoon player, joined the Reno Pops when he was a senior in High School and has served as production manager and the Volunteer Coordinator for the orchestra.