J. S. Bach Scholarship

Introduction

Established in 2009, the J.S. Bach Music Leadership Scholarship was created to enable and encourage the growth of music leaders. J.S. Bach, a Baroque master who spent a lifetime in service to the church, exemplifies the leadership qualities we hope to encourage. Music plays an integral role in shaping the culture, and we believe it vital to equip and challenge those who will strive to maintain excellence, leadership, and humility in their music.

Application

All prospective music scholars must complete the J.S. Bach Music Leadership Scholarship Application, submit a portfolio with the requested supporting documentation, and prepare the musical selections described in the application. The portfolio materials may be delivered to the Director of Music at the time of the audition or may be mailed prior to the audition.

Upon receipt of the application, the Office of Admissions and the Music Department will work together to facilitate your visit. If it is not possible for a student to audition on campus, please indicate as such on the application and send in all audition materials as soon as they are compiled. It would be helpful to use the on-campus audition dates as target dates to send in video-taped auditions.

Audition

The J.S. Bach Scholarship requires an audition. This audition will inform us about your potential as a musical leader on our campus. Furthermore, the audition process allows us to assign to you the largest music scholarship for which you are qualified. Avenues for sponsored participation in our musical organizations may include participating as a singer in the PHC Chorale, as an accompanist for the Chorale, as an accompanist for the PHC Youth Music Academy's Choir, and/or as a member of the Chapel Guild. We hope to recognize and utilize the musical talents of our students as fully as possible. We encourage students to select a campus audition on one of the dates listed below:

• Friday, February 13, 2009
• Friday, March 6, 2009
• Friday, March 19, 2009 Deadline for all auditions and applications. 

Audition criteria will include:

• Performance of two prepared pieces (of contrasting styles, if possible)
• Major and minor scales (for instrumentalists)
• Pitch retention exercises (for vocalists)
• Sight-reading (music will be provided)

Portfolio Criteria

1. Resume: A typed, chronological resume of the applicant's musical background must be submitted, including:

1. Repertoire list--all compositions in your area (vocal/inst.) that you have performed and/or learned
2. Private lessons--vocal/instrumental/both, including names of teachers, dates, and length of study
3. Musical ensembles participated in and/or conducted--please include all chamber music experience as well
4. Recitals and performances
5. Piano background
6. Music theory background--please describe course of study
7. Worship--if applicable, please describe your experience/work as a worship leader/facilitator or vocalist/instrumentalist in your church
8. Other--other information the applicant cares to share regarding instruments played, music classes attended, awards received, etc.

2. Essay: A one-page essay describing the qualifications you believe make you a good candidate for a music scholarship.

3. Letters of Recommendation: two recommendations addressing the musical competencies of the applicant, from former private lesson or school music teachers, choral/orchestral/band directors, or music pastors.