Victor and Jean Sands Memorial Scholarship for Oboe or String Musicians
Applications open January 2026
Victor and Jean were well-known, well-liked, well-respected, music performers and teachers in the Tri-City area. Raised in Spokane and well-taught themselves, they were outstanding
musicians from their youth and committed to generously sharing their music knowledge and skill.
Victor played the violin and was a founding member of the Spokane Symphony. Victor attended Whitworth College where he was invited to play in a string quartet as a violist, this led to a life-long love of both string quartet playing and the viola. In 1948 at the Spokane Music Festival, Victor won the Young Artist Competition. Victor earned a Bachelor of Arts degree as a music major (elementary education specialty) from Eastern Washington University and first taught music in Kent, WA until he was called into the army as a teletype operator. After his service, he returned to teaching and earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Idaho.
Jean’s musical journey began with group piano lessons. By 7th grade she was studying with a Mrs. Luke, a wonderful teacher with the highest standards of musicianship. It was Mrs. Luke who set the tone for Jean’s musical life. After graduating from West Valley High School in Spokane as Valedictorian in 1949, Jean became a member of the Spokane Philharmonic as an oboist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in music degree from Eastern Washington University. It was at Eastern that Jean met Victor, as his piano accompanist. Jean would go on later in life to also earn a master’s degree in music from the University of Idaho.
Victor and Jean (Olson) married on Christmas Day 1953 and moved to Kennewick in 1955, where they both taught music in the public schools. Victor taught orchestra in the Kennewick School District for 34 years. Victor helped develop and launch the original Mid-Columbia Youth Symphony in the early 1970’s. In 1981, he established the Kennewick All-City Orchestra Festival, which brings together hundreds of Kennewick orchestra students in an exciting annual event continuing to this day.
Victor and Jean’s association with the Mid-Columbia Symphony goes back to 1955 and continued for over 50 years. Victor was principal viola, and Jean was first oboe. Both have performed as featured soloists with many other symphonies as well.
For decades, both Victor and Jean also taught a steady stream of private music students at home. As an accomplished pianist, Jean taught a multitude of piano students, along with her oboe students. Victor’s private teaching focused on developing strings students. He also coached chamber music ensembles.
Both Victor and Jean energetically invested in people and were passionate about helping to develop the highest potential of each of their students. Both were strong advocates of higher education. They would be so pleased to know that through this scholarship, future teachers and performers are being encouraged to continue their pursuit of excellence in the field of music.
This scholarship aims to honor their memory by supporting musicians who share their passion!
Clay Wick Memorial Scholarship for Upright Bass Musicians
Applications will open when fully endowed
Clay was a beloved figure in the musical community of Eastern Washington. Known for his exceptional talent on the bass, Clay’s musical journey saw him performing with the Mid-Columbia Symphony, Walla Walla Symphony, Washington-Idaho Symphony, Leavenworth Summer Musical Theatre, Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre, and Oregon East Symphony. His presence was a cornerstone in these ensembles, and his influence extended far beyond the stage.
Clay’s early life began in Duluth, Minnesota, where he attended high school before pursuing a degree in chemistry at the University of Minnesota at Duluth, graduating in 1968. His academic journey was followed by a distinguished service in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear program. After serving in the nuclear US Navy, Clay came to Hanford in 1974, when he also joined the Mid-Columbia Symphony, becoming one of its most venerable and influential musicians over 48 years.
Clay’s love for music was not only evident in his performances but also in his dedication to teaching. He was a mentor to many young musicians, inspiring them with his passion and knowledge. His students, some of whom have gone on to become professional musicians, remember him as an understanding, thoughtful, and humorous teacher with an easy smile and a relaxing laugh. Clay’s ability to connect with his students and his peers made him a cherished friend and role model.
Victor Hugo once said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Clay’s approach to music and life. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, both on and off the stage. Clay’s multifaceted life, from his academic achievements to his military service and his profound impact on the musical community, is remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.
Scholarship Recipients
2024
Victoria Hase