Lisa Bruna B-Major Award

‍Nominations for the 2026 Lisa Bruna B-Major Award are now open. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, October 5, 2025.

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Through an annual audition process, Palm Beach Symphony awards one to three high school seniors with an advanced level instrument or major accessory such as a bow or headjoint. Students must reside in Palm Beach County, intend to major in music, and pursue their undergraduate studies at a university, college, or conservatory.

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The award was renamed in the second year of the program in honor of Lisa Bruna for her talents as a writer, her passion for helping others, and her significant contributions to the Palm Beach Symphony.

Eligibility

Student nominees must meet the following criteria:

Student must be a current high school senior
Student must be a resident of Palm Beach County. Student does not need to be enrolled at a school in Palm Beach County.
Student must be planning to enter a music degree program at a university or institution of higher education
Student must present with a financial need
Student must be in good academic standing
Student may self-nominate or be nominated by a music teacher or private instructor who believes the student will thrive as a music major in college

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominators must be a music teacher and/or private music instructor.
Nominators may nominate more than one student.
Nominators must complete the online nomination form below by Sunday, October 5, 2025 and are also encouraged to write a letter of support to be submitted via email to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org. All letters should be submitted by the original authors of the letters and not the nominee.
If self-nominating, please have at least one music teacher/director write a letter of support on your behalf and submit by October 5, 2025 to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org. All letters should be submitted by the original authors of the letters and not the nominee.
The student's resume must be submitted by Sunday, October 5 2025. Please email to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org‍
Parents of a nominated student must submit their complete and official most recent 2024 tax returns by Sunday, October 5, 2025. Drafts will not be accepted. Both parents should submit these documents whether they are filing jointly or individually. This is to prove financial need. Please email to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org. If tax return(s) of parents are not available, please send an email outlining such to the aforementioned email address.

Students must prepare two contrasting musical works for an audition in front of a panel of judges. If a student does not have two contrasting works prepared, they may play one musical work and one etude.
Auditions/interviews will be held at the Symphony offices on a date to be determined.
Winner(s) will have the opportunity to select and test a variety of instruments in order to choose the best fit. The goal is for the student to have the newly gifted instrument or major accessory in hand before they begin their college auditions.
Winner(s) will be invited to attend the Palm Beach Symphony Annual Gala held on Monday, February 16, 2026 where the official awarding of the instrument will take place.

Important Dates to Note

Submissions for nominations opens on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Deadline for submissions is Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Please apply by submitting the online form below and emailing all other required documents to bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org by Sunday, October 5, 2025.
An Audition Date will be held in the fall/winter of 2024 (date to be determined). Nominees who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to audition.
Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, January 16, 2026.
Winner(s) will be invited to attend an official award presentation during our annual Palm Beach Symphony Annual Gala held on Monday, February 16, 2026.

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Congratulations our Lisa Bruna B-Major Award winners:

2025 Winners

Thomas “Aidan” Gardner, flute - 1st Place Winner

Malorie Bliss, cello - 2nd Place Winner

Alexander Rodriguez, euphonium- 3rd Place Winner

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2024 Winners

Kara Ravaschieri, flute - 1st Place Winner

Arturo Dekle, French horn - 2nd Place Winner

Jose Aguilar, clarinet - 3rd Place Winner

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2023 Winners

Julianna Bramble, viola - 1st Place Winner

Bobbi Zimmerman, clarinet - 2nd Place Winner

Makens Joseph, tuba - 3rd Place Winner

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2022 Winners

Dion Sellitti, baritone saxophone - Winner

Ellen Dahlstrom, oboe - Runner-Up

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2021 Winners

Anabella Paolucci, violin - Winner

Derek Janoff, clarinet - Winner

Paul Stancampiano - Runner-Up
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2020 Winners

Abigail McNutt, violin - Winner

Samuel Soliz, alto saxophone - First Runner-Up

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2019 Winner

Valentina Paolucci, violin - Winner

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Questions? Contact Bryce Seliger at bseliger@palmbeachsymphony.org