Created to support students pursuing their musical interests, the scholarships were presented by GHS Music Director Mark Gahm, who selected the inaugural recipients.

The fund was established by Adam Ives’ family and friends to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the longtime Guilford resident, gifted multi-instrumentalist, and beloved member of the local music community. Ives, a member of the GHS Class of 2003, passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Through the memorial fund, those closest to him hope to support young musicians who share the same passion, curiosity, and connection to music that defined Adam’s life.

“Adam lived and breathed music,” said Gahm. “He was deeply connected to the Guilford music community from a young age, and it’s meaningful to now support students who are finding that same sense of joy, belonging, and expression through music.”

Ives first picked up the saxophone while attending Baldwin Middle School and went on to immerse himself in the music programs at Adams Middle School and Guilford High School. He became known throughout the local and regional music scene for his talent, versatility, and infectious spirit, performing with groups including Big Whig, The Science, What It Is, and Foxtrotter. Friends describe him as someone whose presence filled rooms, festivals, and stages alike.

As a result of this effort, the 2026 scholarship recipients each received $500 to support their continued musical growth.

Sophomore Max Cooper, drummer for the GHS Jazz Ensemble, wrote in his application about the power of music to create friendships and community. “Playing with other musicians is the reason I love to play music,” he shared, describing how it brings together people who otherwise may never have crossed paths.

Incoming Jazz Ensemble bass player Nelly Quinlan, currently a freshman, spoke about growing up surrounded by music and discovering a love for bass guitar that quickly became a major part of her life. “There’s always more to get better at,” she wrote, reflecting on the excitement of continuing to learn and grow as a musician.

For Adam’s friends and family, the students’ words felt especially fitting. Matt Coleman, a longtime friend who helped establish the memorial fund alongside Adam’s brother, Joe Ives, said both recipients captured something essential about Adam’s experience with music.

“Our combo in high school brought together people who probably never would’ve connected otherwise,” Coleman wrote in remarks shared with Gahm. “It was music that led to us building a forever friendship.”

The Adam Reid Ives Fund for Musical Enrichment, a permanent charitable fund with The Guilford Foundation (TGF), will continue supporting young musicians while honoring Adam’s enduring impact on the local music community.

To learn more about the fund or to make a contribution and support future student musicians, please click here.

We thank photographer Vitad Pradith for the image.