Photos: SEIMA announces winners of teen musician grant

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – The Southeastern Indiana Musicians Association (SEIMA) is helping young musicians follow their dreams. 

The organization has announced the winners of this year’s SEIMA Project, which is for teenagers who live in Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley or Switzerland counties. 

Ayden Ketchem (bassoon) and Maria Gaddini (harp) were the two winners and will receive performance opportunities, mentorship and $1,000 each. 

The remaining finalists; Lane Deaton, Nemiah Nelson, and Alysun Simon, were also each awarded with a $350 prize. 

There were 28 applicants this year and the process involved a video submission which determined the finalists, then a live audition and an essay project. 

Upcoming SEIMA events include Whiskey City Summer Fest at Lawrenceburg Civic Park on August 16, featuring The Kentucky Headhunters, Pure Grain and other local artists for their annual guitar giveaway and Hall of Fame Inductee announcements.

The 2025 Southeastern Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame Award Ceremony at the Gibson Theater in Batesville will be on November 15.

Here are photos of the five finalists: