Scottsdale Community College’s Music Department will take the stage on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the SCC Performing Arts Center for the 14th Annual Scholarship Showcase, celebrating student achievements in music.
New this year, SCC will be auctioning David Ellefson’s signature Fender bass, with proceeds going to student scholarships. Ellefson is an American musician, who was the longstanding bassist and backing vocalist for the heavy metal band Megadeth.
The concert includes performances by faculty, alumni, and current SCC music students. It also includes the presentation of Music Department Scholarships to two students whose musical paths reflect dedication, curiosity, and a deep connection to their craft: Gianna Vlcek and Leana Murrow.
Gianna Vlcek: Finding Confidence Through Performance
For Gianna Vlcek, music has always been a constant presence. Her earliest memories involve experimenting with a piano at home, playing notes that “made sense together”. What began as curiosity turned into commitment during high school, when she joined a rock band and performed backing vocals. From that point on, music became something she couldn’t step away from.
Now studying vocals, Gianna feels drawn to all sides of music: writing, producing, performing, and teaching. She doesn’t feel locked into one path, and that openness is part of what keeps her inspired. “Music has so many niches,” she says. “I love them all.”
One of her most memorable moments came when she first sang solo in front of an audience. Nervous but determined, she took the stage anyway. The fear quickly gave way to confidence, and that feeling has stayed with her. “That high truly is something you can’t replicate,” she says.
Receiving a Music Department Scholarship is both an honor and an affirmation. For Gianna, it represents recognition of the work she’s put into her growth as a musician and performer, as well as encouragement to keep going wherever music leads next.
“My family is the best. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be at SCC and learn what I love without them,” she says. “It feels great to have teachers who genuinely want you to learn. I am filled with gratitude every time I walk through the music building doors. It doesn’t feel like school.”
Leana Murrow: Community, Choir, and the Power of Music
Leana Murrow’s musical story is rooted in family and community. Growing up surrounded by creativity, she was naturally drawn to music and eventually joined the choir in sixth grade. Since then, singing has remained a constant in her life. For nine years, she’s been part of at least one choir at a time, finding joy in performance just as much as the shared experience of making music with others.
Her primary instrument is her voice, though she’s also learning piano. Choir has given her some of her most meaningful musical memories, including a high school trip to New York City, where she performed onstage at Carnegie Hall. “That was an amazing experience,” she says, one that reinforced her love for performing and being part of something larger than herself.
Leana plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in Music Therapy to help others through music. She’s especially inspired by the way music brings people together. “Music forces fellowship,” she explains. “I bond with someone new over music very often.”
Being named a scholarship recipient alongside another student she deeply respects has made the experience even more meaningful. “I am very honored to have received this scholarship alongside another very talented musician, Gianna. I know we both have put our all into our studies here and are both very passionate about what we do.”
“I would like to thank all my teachers for being so helpful and amazing, and also for pushing me when they know I can do something. I would also like to say thank you to the friends I’ve made these past two years; they have made my time here so enjoyable.”
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time: Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: SCC Performing Arts Center, 9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
- Admission: $20 suggested donation
- Tickets: Reserve your seat