The Music School of Delaware Board of Directors announced the largest gift in the school’s history. The organization is the beneficiary of $10 million from a trust established by the late Mary Ellen Northrop.
The gift will establish the Mary Ellen Northrop Endowed Fund for Music Education providing scholarships to qualifying students. The fund will complement the school’s current financial aid program.
According to a release from the school, Northrop had a deep love of music. Over the years, she participated in music programs at local churches, playing clarinet solos and singing in the choir.
A native of New York state, Norton, who had MBA from the Wharton School, was a financial analyst and income tax analyst at DuPont Co.
Pre-school through high school students studying early childhood music, band, or orchestral instruments are eligible to apply, as well as students of piano, organ, and voice. Families must demonstrate financial need based on criteria established by the trust. Assistance is limited to two years per student.
“This magnanimous gift will enable the Music School to extend its standard-setting individual and group instruction to families who otherwise could not participate,” said CEO Kate Ransom. “We are so grateful to Mary Ellen Northrop for leaving a legacy that will make a profound difference in the lives of young musicians in Delaware”.
Founded in 1924, The Music School of Delaware is the only nationally accredited statewide community music school in the country, with branch locations in Wilmington and Milford, and satellite locations throughout the state, offering instructional programs for all ages and abilities.
