Locke Family Endowed Scholarship

In 1981, then Riverside Community College President Chuck Kane watched the North High School Band, under the direction of Gary Locke, march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He remembered the band when he saw them march again in the 1984 Tournament of Roses Parade. That fall, Dr. Kane approached Gary and convinced him to start a marching band at RCC. Gary began the program literally from scratch, with only 16 students attending the first meeting. Under Gary’s leadership, the Marching Tigers have grown to be one of the country’s most famous collegiate marching bands, boasting 210 members in 2009, and having appeared in more than 20 movies, at every Disney theme park, in several television shows, music videos, and dozens of national and international parades and festivals. In 1990, the Tigers had the honor of serving as the first community college band to play in the Tournament of Roses Parade and they have appeared four more times since then, in 1997, 2004, 2009 and 2010. The RCC Marching Tigers continue to receive recognition, having appeared an unprecedented six times as the guest exhibition group at the Bands of America Grand National Championship.
In January 1993, Gary was selected as the first recipient of the “Hero” Award, presented by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, bringing the most positive P.R. to the City of Riverside, and Gary continues to receive recognition. This scholarship was first established as a special memorial to Gary’s Aunt Catherine, in 1991 and later, his Mother, Helen, who passed away in 2004. It was endowed in 2008 by Gary’s father, Bill, his biggest fan and most faithful volunteer. This scholarship is awarded to a full or part-time student currently enrolled in the Marching Band at RCC who demonstrates a commitment to musical excellence.

Basic requirements and reviewer notes:
Major: No specific major required
Cumulative GPA required: 2.0
Financial need required: No
Student activities, volunteer work required: None required
Other special requirements: None