The UW–Platteville  Department of Performing and Visual Arts faculty raised $6,900 for music scholarships at its Swinging for Scholarships golf outing and social, held at the Platteville Golf and Country Club.

The scholarships will be awarded to incoming and current students who are majoring or minoring in music.

Eighty-five people attended, including UW–Platteville alumni, faculty and staff as well as community members. The event was open to everyone and included golf, lunch, games, prizes, entertainment and a silent auction.

“Swinging for Scholarships helps assist our incoming and continuing music students through scholarships,” said Dr. Barry Ellis, director of bands at UW-Platteville. “With the rising cost of college, our department necessitates assistance in the scholarship area to continue to attract musically gifted students who require financial aid.”

Basin Street Boys, a Dixieland group comprised of UW–Platteville graduates and current students, provided the entertainment. The group performed at lunch and throughout the day — even playing for each golfer at the tee box on one of the holes. 

“All the participants really appreciated the opportunity to hear such talented musicians,” said Ellis. 

The following area businesses and groups sponsored a hole at the event: UW–Platteville College of Liberal Arts and Education, UW–Platteville Foundation, Kephart West Music, Grumpy Troll, Blue Note Music, Daehn Publications, Busch Music, Richardson Motors (hole-in-one car sponsor), Stanbury Uniforms/American Accessories for Band, College of LAE faculty and Steve’s Pizza Palace. 

The following individuals sponsored memorial holes for Gerald Darrow, Bill Dennis, Tom Richards and Doc Tietze: Mark Martens, Monte and Dona Muller, Dan and Nancy Fairchild, Barry and Terri Ellis, Shelia Pugh, Jeff Ingebritsen, John and Deb Putnam, Anne Ainfinson, Doug and Sally Neverman, Sam and Karen Slaman and Diana Leland. 

The following area businesses and individuals also helped sponsor the event: Benvenuto’s; 12 Baskets; UW–Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts; Pizza Hut; Buffalo Wild Wings; Tuescher Photography; MusicNotes, Inc.; Chicago Symphony; Milwaukee Bucks; Milwaukee Brewers; Green Bay Packers; Dubuque Symphony; Lancaster Country Club; Cuba City Greenhouse; Cole Acres; Platteville Golf and Country Club; as well as Mark Martens, Deb Rummel and Patti Fowler. 

The tentative date for next year’s Swinging for Scholarships golf outing and social is June 10.