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First Church Music Scholarship

The First Church of Christ, Congregational, Glastonbury Music Scholarship

 

The First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in Glastonbury is pleased to offer scholarships of up to $1,000 to student musicians in the First Church family or in the Glastonbury community to defray the cost of private lessons. The selection process will focus on an applicant's interest in classical music, especially in music appropriate for sacred settings. Through these scholarships, the Board of Music seeks to encourage the appreciation and performance of church music through formal education, and to foster church musicians, both professionals and lay volunteers.

First Church Music Scholarship award winners from the previous year are not eligible to apply. The First Church Board of Music Scholarship subcommittee will review all the applications. The winner will be notified in June, and scholarship awards will be mailed to his or her music instructor the following September. The scholarship will be awarded at the sole discretion of the Scholarship Committee and will be based upon applicant qualifications.

 

The Gift of Music

 

Additional funding towards these scholarships is made possible by the generous gifts of Norma Vaughn, an honorary member of the Board of Music; Peter Richter, a dedicated choir member of the Chancel Choir; and Susan Bragdon, a long-time member of First Church and former bell ringer of the Jubilate Ringers.

 

How to Apply

 

Students currently enrolled in grades 7 through 12 and college undergraduates are eligible to apply. Possible applicants might include: a seventh grade instrumentalist formally studying classical music; a junior or senior high school student seeking better vocal technique through lessons; or a college undergraduate student majoring or minoring in music in preparation for a career as a teacher or church musician/choir director.

 

Application Process 


2024 Music Scholarship Application (due May 3)

Music Scholarship Information Page


Questions should be directed to the Chair of the Music Scholarship Committee, Cheryl Gaudette, at cagaudette@123@gmail.com.

The primary selection criteria are as follows:

  1. The applicant should be part of the First Church family (membership is not required) or living or studying in the Glastonbury community. If the student is a college undergraduate, his or her family must live in Glastonbury. Preference will be given to applicants belonging to a faith community of any denomination.
  2. Applicants must be taking formal instrumental or vocal lessons emphasizing classical music and must have completed a minimum of two years of lessons on the audition intrument or, if auditioning vocally, two years of voice lessons or, if age 14 or younger, one year of voice lessons.
  3. Student motivation is most important in the selection process, but financial need will also be considered.
  4. Finalists will be scheduled for an audition and interview with the Board of Music and should prepare a 3-5 minute selection.
  5. The winning applicant may be invited to perform at a worship service at First Church.

 

2023 Scholarship Winners






Vincent Kaverud (first photo), who is starting his senior year at University of Connecticut, auditioned on violin, which he has been studying for fifteen years. Vincent plans to audition for graduate school next winter, after completion of his degrees in Violin Performance and Music History. He also intends to continue his certifications in Suzuki Method violin teaching, having completed levels 1 and 2. Vincent also hopes to continue putting on concerts at the Chamber Music series he started at his church, Sts. Isidore and Maria Church in Glastonbury, Music at SSIM.

Kevin Ma (second photo, left), who is starting his senior year at Glastonbury High School, auditioned on piano, which he has been studying for ten years. Kevin has participated in many recitals, master classes, competitions and volunteer opportunities. Kevin hopes to continue playing throughout college and sharing piano by performing at senior centers, churches and schools.

Nolan Bodge (second photo, right), who is starting his junior year at Glastonbury High School, auditioned on piano, which he has been studying for four years. Nolan has performed at several services at First Church. Nolan looks forward to further piano study and hopes to contribute to the world of music.

Thank you to Susie and Ken Bragdon, Rosemary and Peter Richter and Norma Vaughn for their financial contributions to enable us to offer three awards this year, and to Deanna Tiffin, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and the members of the Scholarship Committee for organizing the audition process.