What is Dan Stover Memorial Music Competition?

Each year, talented local high school student musicians compete in the Rotary club’s Dan Stover Memorial Instrumental Music Competition, named after musician and secondary educator Dan Stover. Winners of the competition can qualify for educational awards to assist them in attending an accredited college, university, or music conservatory upon high school graduation. Winners of the Sierra Madre Rotary Club competition compete at the local and the district level, where cash prizes are awarded.

Contestant Criteria: 
• Applicant must live within the Pasadena or Arcadia Unified School District.
• He or she has a reasonable ability to play a musical instrument.
• Applicant plans on using the scholarship award for future educational expenses.

Cash Awards: 
• First place winner: $300.00
• Second place winner: $200.00
• Third place winner: $100.00

The First-place winner may continue to a regional competition; if successful, may compete in the Rotary district wide event with a first-place award of $5,000.00.

Download information packet for rules, judging criteria, and more. 

Download an Application HERE. 
Please remit (scan or photo) the signed application by Weds. January 21st, 2026 to: sierramadrerotaryclub@gmail.com or by mail to Rotary Club of Sierra Madre, Attn: Marilyn Diaz at PO Box 863, Sierra Madre, CA 91025.