This endowed scholarship was established in 2025 by Dr. Roy and Ruth Breiling.
Already as a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Roy Breiling knew he wanted to become a band director. He dedicated his 38-year career to directing high school and college bands and orchestras, including the wind band at (Dr.) Martin Luther College (1990-1992). He also served in the United States Air Force as a commander and conductor of Air Force bands (1980-1988). Ruth (nee Kitzerow), a 1978 DMLC graduate, taught piano at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (1974-1975), organ at DMLC (1976), and piano at DMLC (1990-1992). Ruth has served as organist, pianist, and choir director at various WELS congregations for over 50 years, and Roy has performed on trumpet in numerous worship services.
Roy and Ruth established the Dr. Roy and Ruth Breiling Endowed Instrumental Music Scholarship to benefit and encourage students who are dedicated to promoting instrumental music education and hope to serve, God willing, as band directors in WELS synodical schools, area Lutheran high schools, and Lutheran elementary school band programs.
Scholarship winners are MLC students who have demonstrated proficiency on a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument, have participated in the MLC Wind Symphony for six semesters, and have an interest in being a future band director. Financial need is not a consideration in the awarding of this scholarship.
