Music major Ethan Draper ’26 received the prestigious Frances Alford Brokaw Grant from the American Bach Society to support his upcoming summer research at the Riemenschneider Bach Institute (RBI) at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Draper is the first Lebanon Valley College student to receive this award.

The American Bach Society supports the study, performance, and appreciation of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach in the United States and Canada.

With the grant funding, Draper will conduct research while residing at the RBI and exploring their collection of more than 30,000 items, including Bach-oriented manuscripts, books, archival materials, scores, and other rare items.

Draper launched his research into the works of Bach as part of an independent study with Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, LVC Professor of Music and College Organist, during his sophomore year. The project advanced courtesy of a grant from The Elyse E. Rogers ’76 Research Fund. Draper and Moorman-Stahlman researched and recorded selected pieces from the Orgelbuchlein as a culmination to a series of workshops Moorman-Stahlman presented for the Atlanta American Guild of Organists Chapter last year.

Along with his Bach research, Draper is an Organ Scholar at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg and President and Founder of LVC’s branch of the American Choral Directors Association Student Chapter. He is the President of the LVC Organ Guild, a member of the Concert Choir, and the accompanist for the College Choir. Beyond campus, Draper is the Sub-Dean of the Harrisburg chapter of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the National Committee for Young Organists. 

“Lebanon Valley College’s Music Department excels in guiding students toward their career goals and providing opportunities for professional growth,” said Draper. “The faculty, with their extensive local and national networks, are instrumental in connecting students with fellow musicians and professionals in the field, helping them build valuable relationships that prepare them for successful music careers.”

Read more about Draper’s musical experiences in the spring 2025 issue of The Valley, or watch his interview with Fox43.