Education/Ministries

The First Church of Christ, Congregational, Glastonbury Music Scholarship

The First Church of Christ, Congregational in Glastonbury is pleased to offer scholarships of up to $1,000 to student musicians in the First Church family or the Glastonbury community to defray the cost of private lessons. The selection process will focus on an applicant's interest in classical music, especially 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 foster church musicians, both professionals and lay volunteers.

A large portion of music scholarship funding is possible this year through the generous gift of Norma Vaughn, a member of the Board of Music. Ms. Vaughn’s gift honors the memory of her father, Rev. James McBride (1909-1984) and brother Howard McBride (1949-2006). Reverend McBride was a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and played clarinet professionally with such luminaries as Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. At the urging of his wife, he became a Baptist minister and served at Hartford’s Central Baptist Church. But music was always dear to his heart and he continued to play clarinet in community symphonies throughout his lifetime. He also gave private lessons such as those which are made possible through this scholarship. His son Howard was talented in both music and drama. A graduate of UConn with a major in theater, Howard sang professionally.

Students currently enrolled in grades 7 through 12 and college undergraduates are invited to apply for the scholarship. 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; a college undergraduate student majoring or minoring in music in preparation for a career as a teacher or church musician/choir director. (2010 First Church Music Scholarship award winners are not eligible)

The primary selection criteria are as follows:

1. The applicant should be part of the First Church family (however Church membership is not required) or of the Glastonbury community (living or studying in Glastonbury or, if a college undergraduate, a member of a family residing in Glastonbury). Preference will be given to applicants belonging to a faith community of any denomination.
2. The applicant 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 instrument 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 but financial need will also be considered.
4. The winning applicant may be invited to perform at a worship service at First Church.

Applications and personal statements must be received at the Church office by Monday, May 9, 2011, addressed to The Music Scholarship Committee, First Church of Christ, Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, Connecticut 06033, or emailed to angelasalcedo@glastonburyfirst.org. Questions should be directed to Angela Salcedo, Director of Music Ministries at (860) 633-4641, ext. 116.

Applications are available through the Church office or can be downloaded here. The Music Scholarship Committee, a subcommittee of the First Church Board of Music, will review the applications. Finalists will be scheduled for an audition and interview with the Board of Music, and should be prepared to perform one selection of 3-5 minute duration. 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.