INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- The Indian River Symphonic Association it will again offer a limited number of scholarships this spring to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue degrees in music at the college level.
"The scholarship program was started in 2005 and since then has supported over 25 recipients," said Ray Mitchell, president of the association.
In 2013 there are two types of scholarships to be awarded. The first is administered by Dollars for Scholars, and provides support in each of four years of college, assuming that financial need is established and academic progress is made.
Graduating seniors must apply directly to Dollars for Scholars for this scholarship (deadline in February), and must also submit an application to the Indian River Symphonic Association by March 1. Students meeting the criteria for both applications will be asked to audition in early March.
The second type of scholarship is a one-time financial award presented to one or more students each spring, regardless of financial need. Graduating seniors must apply for this scholarship directly with the Indian River Symphonic Association by March 1. Students meeting the criteria for the application will be asked to audition in early March.
Winners of both types of scholarships will be announced at the last concert of the season on April 14. That night, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra will perform a program including pieces by Dukas, Saint-Saens, Ravel, Satie and Debussy, and featuring violin soloist Jennifer Fruatschi.
"The program will be doubly exciting because of the scholarship awards," said Patricia Sawyer, chairwoman of the scholarship committee this year.
Applications for both types of scholarships are now being accepted by Dollars for Scholars and the Indian River Symphonic Association, and students are urged to submit their applications well before the deadlines.
Applications for the Dollars for Scholars four-year award are available on the Dollars for Scholars website www.dfsIndianRiver.org or by calling the DFS office at (772) 569-9869.
The Indian River Symphonic Association's. scholarship application, required by both the DFS scholarship, as well as the one-time award scholarships are available on the sssociation's website www.IRSymphonic.org or call the office at (772) 778-1070.
The Indian River Symphonic Association's scholarships are supported each year by concert ticket sales and contributions from donors.
To learn more about the 2013 concert season and the scholarship program, visit www.IRSymphonic.org.