The Celebration Gala
- Rodrigo and Shannon Vasconcelos
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
The Celebration Gala is an event dedicated to honoring the outstanding achievements of students and teachers from our partner schools and the local community. During the ceremony, all students are recognized through awards, a select number of young musicians perform concerti with our Faculty Quartet, and we announce the recipient of the Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship. Whether you are a nominee, a supporter, or someone who appreciates the value of hard work, this event is a memorable experience.
2025 Celebration Gala
The 2025 Celebration Gala was a wonderful event. There was a total of 18 performances spread into two different sessions. We had the opportunity of listening to gems of the classical repertoire such as the Mozart Piano Concerto K 414, Vivaldi Violin Concerto in A minor, J.S. Bach Double Violin Concerto, Popper Hungarian Rhapsody for Cello, many among other stellar selections. 139 students were recognized for the advancement in Music, and oboist Ella Bill, then a senior student at Seton High School, was the recipient of the first scholarship of the Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship.
Some action shots from our ceremonies:
The Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship
The Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship honors the memory of three remarkable women who achieved excellence by pursuing their passions in innovative ways and inspiring the lives of countless others.
Sheila Moran Vail, the Founding Director of the Indian Springs Academy of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio, established the Indian Springs Academy as an innovative institution to provide excellent instruction in music through formal programs for students of all ages. For over two decades, not only did Sheila passionately direct
and teach at the Academy, she also provided an incredible educational environment where she was able to welcome other dedicated professional colleagues to join her as faculty members. Throughout her career, she has inspired countless young artists and mentored many young professionals as they began their own career journeys. Sheila was supported in her own journey by two other remarkable women, her younger sister, Kerri, and her mother, Jean.
Kerri Ann Moran Ryan was an indispensable member of the staff at the Indian Springs Academy until her sudden and unexpected passing in 2023. For over seventeen years, she worked behind the scenes every day to ensure the Academy functioned smoothly. She had a great love for the many Academy students and families she became acquainted with over the years. Kerri was passionate about her Christian Faith, painting, and the topic of homeopathic health, on which she authored many publications throughout her career as an innovative and accomplished entrepreneur. Kerri was an inspiration and an example of kindness to all those who knew her, and especially to her two sons, David and Shawn, whom she adored and devoted her life to raising.
Sheila and Kerri’s mother, Jean Ann Feely Moran, was instrumental in inspiring them and their siblings to pursue their passions with excellence through the grace and strength she exhibited throughout her own life and in her career. During the 1940s, Jean was a sought-after performer on the Hammond Organ, playing for audiences throughout the Midwest. After marrying in 1952, she continued to inspire others through her devoted direction of her church choir in Maryland. Jean relocated to Cincinnati during the Pandemic in 2020. She passed away in 2024, at the incredible age of 101, having lived not only to celebrate in the successes of her children, but also to witness the joy with which they have lived their lives and their continued commitment to their faith, family, and community.
Scholarship Details
The KJV Scholarship in an annual one-time award, of a minimum of $1,000 and qualified candidates are invited to submit a portfolio for evaluation by the scholarship committee. After applications are reviewed, the committee may schedule an interview with the finalists and will decide on a recipient. The KVJ Scholarship recipient receives their recognition and award at the Celebration Gala.
2025 KJV Fellow
Ella Bill, a senior high school student from Seton High School in Cincinnati was the recipient of the scholarship.
Ella was notified of her nomination through a heartwarming remote meeting. Here is the recording of her interaction with Sheila Vail and Shannon Vasconcelos, both members of the scholarship committee:
2026 KJV Scholarship
Applications will open on January 15, when more information will be made available to the public.
Support the Next Generation of Women in Music
The Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship was created to honor the extraordinary lives of Sheila Moran Vail, Kerri Ann Moran Ryan, and Jean Ann Feely Moran—three women whose devotion to music, faith, family, innovation, and community continues to inspire future generations. This scholarship is more than an award; it is a living legacy designed to encourage and support a young woman of promise as she pursues excellence in music and higher education.
Your generous donation directly helps provide meaningful financial support to an inspiring female high school musician in Southwest Ohio—one who demonstrates artistic excellence, creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to her community. By giving, you help remove financial barriers, affirm her potential, and invest in a future shaped by passion, purpose, and service.
Your tax-deductible contribution to Mason Music Institute will help us continue to write the stories of women who lead with talent, integrity, and heart. If you would like to donate specifically to the Kerri Jean Vail Scholarship Fund, please mark the appropriate box when making your donation.
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