Scholarship Program

2012 Garden State Chorale Scholarship Application Information

Garden State Chorale, Inc. is a singing group with a history of more than 80 years of performing in various venues across South Jersey. The group’s annual performances include holiday concerts in early December, an additional concert in March showcasing popular music and show tunes.

As part of its mission in supporting the future of the arts, the Garden Stare Chorale awards an annual scholarship designed to assist a talented student in preparing for a career in vocal music. The Chorale has been awarding this scholarship annually since 1965 to students pursuing their education at schools including Boston College, Temple University, Westminster, Julliard, and the Curtis School of Music.

The recipient of this year’s award will be selected in February 2012. We are pleased to announce that the amount of the 2012 scholarship is $1,500, half presented during the spring of 2012, following the selection of the winner, and the other $750 presented by 12/31/2012.

Eligibility Requirements For The Student:

• High school senior living in Camden County NJ, Burlington County NJ or Gloucester County, NJ
• High school senior with a record of superior vocal and academic achievement.
• (Vocal skills are the primary criteria. A statement of need is not required.)
• A specific plan to further his or her musical education in college.
• A fully completed application package (enclosed) submitted by the deadline noted.

The Application Package Includes:

• Application form -- completed and signed
• A full transcript of the applicant’s grades and activities
• A letter of recommendation from the school’s music teacher and, if appropriate, from a private music teacher with whom the student is studying.
• An audiocassette or CD demonstrating the applicant’s versatility in various styles. The tape/CD must have two (2) songs, no longer than 4 minutes each. Suitable accompaniment is recommended for audition tapes.

Application Deadline - Important - February 29, 2012

• Applications, with all the accompanying materials, must be received no later than February 29, 2012. Please note: A fully completed package is required or the applicant cannot be considered and evaluated.

Applications Should Be Sent To The Following Address:

Garden State Chorale, Inc.

Attn: Scholarship Committee

P O Box 2837

Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

2011 Garden State Chorale Scholarship Winner 

The winner of the Garden State Chorale 2011 Musical Scholarship is Amy Sparrow.  She is the daughter of Ryan and Michelle Sparrow.  She lives in Haddonfield with her parents.

She is a student at Haddonfield Memorial High School.  She has held leads in all of the school musicals since the 10^th grade.  She is a member of the Concert Choir & Chamber Choir, Madrigal Choir and is one of the founding memberso fo the Bijoux Choir.  This is a volunteer group that performs at nursing homes and community centers.  She is a member of the Tir-M Music Honor Society, Drama club, Crew Club, Students Take Action Now Darfur (S. T. A. N. D.), school paper where she redesigned the sports section, World Affairs Council/Model United Nations where she was awarded “Best Novice Delegate” and “Best Position Paper,” and the fellowship of Christian Athletes.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society.  In her spare time she has tutored fellow students in algebra, ushered at the Walnut Street Theater, and been a student representative for the Haddonfield-Japan Exchange.

Paula Meyer, her Vocal Music Teacher states “along with Amy’s beautiful voice and good reading skills, she is also blessed with a warm and caring personality and incredible work ethic.  Amy establishes a positive atomosphere in any rehearsal and is always supportive of her teachers and other students.”  Her Vocal Coach, Kristin Biller Mattson tells us “that no matter what is set in front of Amy, she will accomplish what needs to be done and most likely surpass the expectations of most.”  Amy made her Broadway debut at 13 and has enjoyed success at other regional theaters as well.  As a managed singer, it is only a matter of time before her next big-break.

Amy will be continuing to pursue her Vocal Performance Degree in the Fall.  She has been accepted at Harvard where she will continue with her vocal studies and double major in Foreign Affairs.  The Chorale wishes her all the best in her future studies.  Amy, we are proud to have you as our 2011 Scholarship winner.