Louder Fellowship

Earle L. Louder is remembered as one of the foremost euphonium players worldwide, both for his extraordinary performances and his significant contributions as a teacher. A student of the renowned Leonard Falcone at Michigan State University, Louder went on to earn the first-ever Doctor of Music in Euphonium Performance from Florida State University. His exceptional talent and dedication to the euphonium led him to international fame as a soloist, particularly during his 12-year tenure with the U.S. Navy Band, where he also led the brass department. Louder's teaching career included a long-standing position as a Professor of Music at Morehead State University in Kentucky, where he later earned the title of Professor Emeritus. Even after retiring from academia, Louder remained active as a performer, collaborating with ensembles like Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band. He passed away peacefully in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence.

In his honor, the Earle Louder Fellowships & Scholarships were established to support international students who wish to attend the International Euphonium Tuba Festival (IET Festival). This initiative, sponsored by the Euphonium Foundation, offers financial assistance to help students from outside the USA attend the festival each June. The competitive application process allows students to receive funding for festival costs, and those who demonstrate a clear plan to bring the knowledge gained back to their home countries are particularly valued.

The application deadline is March 31st, with results announced by April 7th each year.

APPLY HERE

Check out the IET Festival Homepage

Past Recipients of the Earle L. Louder Fellowships

Andrea Fisher-Jeffes – South Africa
Quinn Kakora - South Africa
Camilo Ayala – Colombia
Helen Caesar – Dominican Republic
Caio Da Silva – Brazil
Jorge Gonzalez – Colombia
Chiaki Sekiyami - Japan
Andrew Middlekoop – South Africa
Gustavo Tortos – Costa Rica
Juen Loon Tan - Malaysia
Junior Alexis Castillo Coveñas - Peru
JoseSantiago - Spain

Comments from Recipients

There aren't enough words to describe The International Euphonium and Tuba Festival but having the opportunity to experience was mind-blowing.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to The Euphonium Foundation and The Earl Louder Fellowship for giving me the opportunity to attend The International Euphonium and Tuba Festival. The experience was truly enriching, and I gained so much knowledge and inspiration. The festival provided valuable learning opportunities, from insightful workshops to connecting with amazing individuals. I am incredibly grateful. which has not only helped me grow academically but also personally. Thank you once again for this unforgettable experience and here's to attending more festivals in the future.
from my country to yours Siyabonga
Quinn Kakora- South Africa

I would like to send a very big thanks to you, Earl Louder and the IET Festival team for an amazing experience. It was very special to be part of the 15th Festival and I can't begin to describe the impact of being part of the course. The festival has always been personal enrichment to me, but being able to walk away with input from the pioneers in my field, from across the world, is a rare experience. Being able to partake in performing new works for my instrument, receiving counsel on industry related discussions and witnessing outstanding solo (and chamber) performance just takes my breath away. I feel like it also makes what I am doing, and what I bring home, relevant - and this revitalization is key to being an artist. IET will certainly be part of my best memories as a musician!
Andrea Fisher-Jeffes, South Africa

  私は2017年、2018年の2回、IETフェスティバルに参加しました。私はそこで素晴らしい体験をし、多くの友人と出会いました。
IETには、学生からお年寄りまで幅広い年代の人々が世界中から集まります。もちろん素晴らしい先生方も世界中から集まります。そして、とても近い距離で接するので、貴重なお話を聞くことができます。
先生方のリサイタルやマスタークラス、友人たちの演奏から色々なスタイルやアイデアを見つけ、自分の演奏のヒントにします。
一週間たくさんの刺激を受け、またこの素晴らしい体験をしにIETフェスティバルに参加しに戻ってきたいと思うのです。

関山千晶

I participated in the IET Festival twice in 2017 and 2018. I had a wonderful experience there and met many friends. A wide range of people from students to the elderly gather from all over the world in IET. Of course, wonderful teachers also gather from all over the world. We talk at a short distance, you can listen to valuable stories.  I will find various styles and ideas from teachers recitals, master classes and friend's performances, and make them a hint of my performance. I get a lot of inspiration and influence for a week. I would like to come back to join the IET Festival.
Chiaki Sekiyama, Japan

Mi nombre es Camilo, soy un eufonista proveniente de Colombia y siempre quise asistir al IET pero viviendo en otro país era muy difícil para mí costear un viaje como este.
Gracias a el programa fellowships, en el año 2018 tuve la oportunidad de asistir por primera vez y ha sido una de las experiencias más increíbles que he vivido y que desearía repetir en una próxima oportunidad.
Durante la semana hubo muchas actividades, por lo que el contacto con el instrumento fue al 100%, dichas actividades incluían clases magistrales, clases individuales, ensambles de música de cámara, conferencias y conciertos.
El staff de profesores fue genial, 13 maestros provenientes de varias partes del mundo, con estilos musicales y conceptos únicos que complementan todo lo que significa ser un artista. Un aprendizaje enriquecedor en cuanto a lo personal y musical.
También fue gratificante conocer colegas provenientes de otros países, aprendiendo de su cultura, compartiendo experiencias y como no, interpretando emocionantes y divertidas piezas musicales en el ensamble general, donde participamos todos los integrantes del festival.
Regreso a Colombia motivado y con muchas ganas de seguir aprendiendo y experimentando con este fantástico instrumento, gracias al Dr. Adam Frey y a todos los organizadores por ofrecerme esta increíble oportunidad de seguir creciendo como artista y como persona, espero volver muy pronto.
Camilio Ayala, Colombia

For me, attending the IET Festival was one of the greatest experiences I've ever experienced in my career as a music student. And being one of the highly selected Fellowship Earle L. Louder was good for me. Unfortunately I could not participate in the euphonium competition, but I took classes with great teachers that I always dreamed of meeting. I would especially like to thank Adam Frey and James Gourlay for helping me solve my problems and Thomas Rüedi and Jukka Myllys for their advice and for sharing their experiences.  It was a fantastic experience for me because I could represent the Brazilian euphonium and the music of my country.

Para mim, participar do IET Festival foi uma das maiores experiências que vivi até agora em minha carreira como estudante de música e ser um dos selecionados para a concorrida bolsa de estudos Earle L. Louder foi bom para mim. Infelizmente não pude participar da competição de Eufônio, mas fiz aulas com professores que sempre sonhei conhecer. Eu gostaria de agradecer especialmente ao Adam Frey e James Gourlay por me ajudarem a resolver os meus problemas e ao Thomas Rüedi e Jukka Myllys pelos concelhos e por compartilhar suas experiências.  Foi uma experiência fantástica para mim porque pude representar o Eufônio Brasileiro e a música do meu país.
Caio César, Brazil