Music Scholarship Fund
Turn in Applications for Spring/Summer 2025 by February 7
Email ksimmons@duewest.org with questions
For Applicants
Thank you for your interest in Due West Music Scholarship. Please keep reading to get an idea of the requirements and how the scholarship works. In return for playing for a five-month period of time for Wednesday rehearsals, Sunday Services, and two special services/events, each scholarship recipient will receive a sum of $500. As this scholarship program is new and still being established, applicants must reapply every six months.
Age - Players must be a junior or senior in high school or a college freshman during application. Singers must be in college.
Availability - Musicians commit to attend Wednesday evening rehearsals and Sunday performances, as well as special events on a quarterly basis (two special events per six-month scholarship period). In the event when the musician has to miss for a vacation or illness, adequate prior notice is given to leaders so that they can find a substitute if needed. Approximately one Sunday a month, the full orchestra and choir will not play/sing.
Qualifications - Musicians have 3 or more years of experience in a school orchestra/band/chorus and/or private lessons.
Completed application - Scholarships are issued biannually for a five-month timeframe based on individual application basis and approval.
Biannual schedule of scholarship commitments is as follows:
Late August through December (Includes Morning of Worship Through Song and Christmas special music events)
Late February through June (Includes Holy Week and Freedom Sunday special events)
Scholarship applications must be submitted by January 31 for consideration for the Spring, and August 15 for consideration for Fall. Due to the close proximity of the application deadline to the first rehearsal, NO late submissions will be accepted. No exceptions.
For Orchestra Regarding Instrumentation: Because the orchestra is made up primarily of volunteers within the church, the instrumentation from year-to-year may change, and not all instruments are scholarship-eligible every season.
For Choir: We are looking for a quartet: Every semester we would like to grant the scholarship to one soprano, one alto, one tenor, and one bass.
Eligibility
Good stewardship - Musicians must be prepared for Sunday services having invested practice at home, prompt attendance to rehearsals, and a positive attitude during rehearsals.
Sustained availability - Any uninformed or unexcused absence will result in a reduction of the scholarship fund available for the student at the end of the six-month period. Repeated uninformed absences will result in loss of the scholarship. Emergencies can happen to all of us. The most important part of this requirement is communication with orchestra leaders when necessary. Recipients are expected to attend 100% of special events and 90% of rehearsals and normal Sunday services.
Special Events - These four non-negotiable events are pivotal to the life of our church and attendance is required to be eligible for the scholarship.
Third Sunday in September: Morning of Worship Through Song
Second Full Weekend in December: West Cobb Christmas Celebration
Holy Week: Thursday, Friday, and Easter Sunday services, as needed. Weekday service needs may change depending on the year.
Last Sunday in June: Freedom Sunday
Professionalism - Scholarship recipient is expected to rehearse, play/sing to the best of their ability, work on improving their abilities, and maintain a professional and positive attitude during rehearsals, services, and special events.
Requirements
Orchestra Rehearsal - Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Sanctuary A.
Choir Rehearsal - Wednesday evenings form 7:00-8:30 PM in the Choir Room.
Sunday sound check/warm-up - 10:00 AM for Orchestra; 10:10 for Choir
Sunday Service - Blended Traditional Worship, 11:00 AM
Special Events as noted above
Due West uses all types of styles in this 11:00 service. We often involve an orchestra prelude and postlude which are purely instrumental and can include jazz, big band, gospel, classical, and contemporary styles. We have an adult choir that sings most Sundays in a contemporary style, with some variety thrown in for special events, and youth and children’s choirs who sing with us on special occasions.
Schedule
Payment of this scholarship will be given in the form of a check to the student upon the completion of an approximately five month period in Due West’s orchestra or choir. Full scholarship amount for all available services and rehearsals is $500. Reductions for sustained absences are taken from this amount.
Due to availability of funds and requirements, the Music Ministry at Due West Methodist may at any time in its sole discretion change the rules and schedules set forth above. By signing and submitting this application, the applicant understands and agrees to the above additional terms.
Distribution
For Donors
Walking into the 11am service at Due West means you’ve probably seen our Orchestra, where congregants volunteer their time and talents in service of the Lord. We also strive to provide a safe place for young people to grow musically and feel supported by a local church. If you believe in planting seeds of the future, please consider investing in the Music Scholarship Fund. Our hope is by offering this scholarship to qualified applicants, they may experience personal, musical, and spiritual growth while contributing their talents to the music program at Due West. We cannot offer this scholarship without your support, but through fund-raisers and generous donations, we can provide an opportunity for young people today who will become the future of Due West Orchestra.
Have questions? Email our scholarship board. If writing a check, include “Music Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Donate online using the button below.
Music Scholarship Fund
