Coleman Sonefeld

Coleman Sonefeld Memorial Scholarship Fund

Coleman G. Sonefeld, passed away accidently and unexpectedly on September 14, 2022, at the age of 29. This scholarship fund has been established through friends and family donations in honor and memory of Coleman. Coleman was a talented chef and musician, and his presence will be missed.

Coleman began taking piano lessons at a very young age, but ultimately found guitar to be his passion. He studied music from several teachers before beginning at the Columbia Arts Academy. Coleman loved his time at the academy and found his experience to be educational, fun, and tailored to his needs. He had to practice and work hard to be a success, but he truly loved to learn and challenge his abilities. He loved participating in recitals, performing with the rock band, as well as the individual lessons with “Uncle Lew” (Lewis Taylor). The music lessons, life lessons, and performances enabled Coleman to express himself and afforded him the skills to play in a local band during high School (My Losing Season). His band played local venues, recorded a cd, and he made life-long friends and memories.

Coleman moved to Charleston after high school and followed his other passion, cooking. For the next five years, he studied and worked in many restaurants in Charleston, eventually returning to Columbia. He began playing music again and due to his prior training, he auditioned for and was given the opportunity to join a local band, Aim High, in 2021, with one of his first live performances with the band on Audiotree in Chicago. The band also completed a successful tour in 2022 with many performances at local venues along the East Coast and Midwest. Their last performance with Coleman was as the opening band at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach in August 2022. The band made a video while in Myrtle Beach and is available to view on YouTube (Aim High “Flannel Szn”).

Coleman was hardworking, determined and dedicated to put his best efforts and talent in all that he did. It would be his wish that he be able to offer this opportunity to a student with a strong dedication to music who will strive to be their best. This scholarship is open to all students grades 7 thru 12 and offers the recipient 12 months tuition for music lessons at the Columbia Arts Academy.

An essay is required to apply, and all judging will be at the discretion of Marty Fort and the Columbia Arts Academy.