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Congratulations 2026 Fitz Scholarship Winners

July 31, 2026

fitz winners 2026

From Left: Rich Fitzgerald (Fitz' brother), Ann Schroeder (Adult recipient), Amelia Engelking (u12 recipient), Norah Rendell, Hannah Flowers, Teddy Brandt (u18 recipient), Brian Miller.

We're thrilled to announce this year's recipients of the Tim 'Fitz' Fitzgerald scholarship. Thanks to the Emerald Society of Minnesota for their generous donation to make this scholarship possible and to our instructors who choose the recipients each year.

A student who receives the Fitz Memorial Scholarship:

  • Has demonstrated to their private teacher that they are dedicated to learning their chosen instrument.
  • Has shown an interest in expanding their musical education and experience.
  • Has shown interest in the larger Irish community by attending sessions or attending concerts and workshops.

12 and under - Amelia Engelking, Whistle, Harp, Flute

Amelia has played whistle since 2022, picked up the harp in 2024 and recently added flute. She is a quick learner and has a voracious appetite for learning new music and improving her tunes.

She is also a committed dancer at O'Shea Irish Dance, a valuable member of two CIM ensembles (Redwing and Swallowtail), our first-ever under 12 Grúpa Cheoil and the 2026 under 15 grúpa.

Amelia brings focus and energy to these groups as well as a recent duo collaboration with Izzy Miller. her instructors Adrienne O'Shea and Hannah Flowers love working with her. Congratulations, Amelia!

18 and under - Teddy Brandt, Accordion, Bodhrán, Melodeon, Fiddle

Teddy has been at CIM since at least 2019, around the age of 10. He has played button accordion and bodhrán all along, and recently added melodeon and fiddle.

A musician always full of personality and enthusiasm (and mischief), in the past few years Teddy has really blossomed into a great musician. He is developing a personal style and consistently finds ways to put his vibrant, rowdy energy into his playing in ways that are both very Teddy and very musical! No small feat.

Teddy is a leader in the Advanced Youth Ensemble and in collaborations inside and outside CIM with Beth Bryson, Collin Fenton (Pick Buttons and Bow) and others. He subbed in with the Indianapolis senior Céilí band and the 2025 All Ireland Fleadh in Wexford and did a great job as the youngest member while also building new connections for CIM.

His outgoing personality is a benefit to himself and his friends in terms of joining sessions, meeting other musicians, getting up on various stages and promoting the idea that the point of all this is to have a good time.

Teddy has volunteered at CIM summer camps, and has recently expressed interest in teaching. Congratulations, Teddy!

Adult - Ann Schroeder, Flute, Bouzouki

Ann is a very talented musician for someone who got into Irish music later in life. She's a very solid flute player with excellent control of the instrument and a great understanding and appreciation for the style after many years studying with Norah Rendell, our executive artistic director.

Norah says that Ann uses her sharp mind, analytical skills and keen ear to seek out the sounds she wants to hear on the flute, and is always making progress. In the past few years, she’s become a fan of Órlaith McAuliffe and has learned a bunch of new moves from her. Most of all, Ann truly enjoys playing, and brings that sense of enjoyment and curiosity to her lessons.

Ann recently picked up bouzouki and is quickly figuring out some of the more complex (and fun) ways of thinking about backing on the instrument with her instructor Brian Miller. She has an excellent ear for music all around. Ann is a leader in An Luan and a joy to work with.

See past recipients and learn more about the Fitz Scholarship