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Music Scholarships at Nebraska Wesleyan University

The Bennett Music Scholarship*
These scholarships, named in honor of Oscar “Pop” Bennett, are awarded each year to outstanding high school senior singers who plan to major in vocal music at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.

The Marshall Music Scholarship*
These scholarships, named in honor of Robert Marshall, are awarded each year to outstanding high school seniors who plan to major in instrumental music at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.

The Harrod Music Scholarship*
These scholarships, named in honor of Beth Miller Harrod, are awarded each year to outstanding high school seniors who plan to major in piano at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.

The Fosbury Music Scholarship*
These scholarships, named in honor of M. Evelyn Fosbury, are awarded each year to outstanding high school seniors who plan to major in piano at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.

*Students receiving a Bennett, Marshall, Harrod, or Fosbury Music Scholarship must be enrolled each semester in the appropriate music curriculum, including music theory, music history, applied music, large ensemble, and recital attendance. Student must also maintain a minimum grade point average, as follows:

1. An overall GPA of 2.5 each semester
2. A music GPA of:
• 2.5 or better after the first semester
• 2.75 or better after the second semester
• 3.00 or better after each of the remaining semesters

Music Ensemble Participation Grants
These scholarships are awarded each year to high school seniors who wish to participate in instrumental or vocal ensembles at Nebraska Wesleyan University, but who will not be majoring in music.  Scholarships vary in amount and are renewable.  To receive a Music Ensemble Participation Grant (EPG), students must participate in a music ensemble at Nebraska Wesleyan University as determined by the music faculty and that is appropriate to the area in which they receive the scholarship.

2005-2006 Scholarship Audition Dates
Saturday, November 11, 2006*
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, February 8, 2007**
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007

*Early Action candidates given preference
**Auditions only available to Wesleyan Honors Festival participants
Note: All Early Action scholarship auditions must be performed before December 1, 2006.

Eligibility Requirements for Audition

1. Must be a high school senior
2. Must have been accepted to Nebraska Wesleyan at time of audition
3. Must audition before music faculty (except in cases of long distance or illness)
4. Must be in top one-third of high school graduating class OR have ACT score of 21 or higher.

How to Schedule a Music Scholarship Audition

1. Students must submit a music scholarship application no later than two weeks before their preferred audition date.
2. A specific time will be assigned for those students auditioning on the regular dates listed above (November 11, 2006; January 27, February 8, February 17, and March 24, 2007). Please contact Ms. Kathleen Benischek, Staff Assistant in the Department of Music, 402.465.2269 or kmb@nebrwesleyan.edu, for information on scheduling.
3. Additional times for instrumental auditions may be available by appointment, such as during a campus visit.  Please contact Mr. Sam Zitek for availability at 402.465.7501 or szitek@nebrwesleyan.edu.
4. Additional times for voice auditions are available on selected Friday mornings between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Please contact Dr. Jana Holzmeier for availability at 402.465.2284 or jjh@nebrwesleyan.edu.
5. Additional times for piano auditions are available by appointment. Please contact Dr. Larry Jones for availability at 402.465.2281 or lej@nebrwesleyan.edu.
6. NOTE: Students may audition for scholarships in multiple areas; however, they may only receive scholarships in one area.
7. Students entering Nebraska Wesleyan under the Early Action admissions program MUST audition for a music scholarship no later than December 1, 2006, to receive consideration for a music scholarship.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

1. Prepare a program of not more than 10 minutes according to the following recommendations:
   Vocal: Choose at least two contrasting selections from standard vocal repertoire (art song, opera, oratorio, musical theater). It is recommended that the music be memorized.  Pop music and choral repertoire (example: singing a part from a choral score) is not recommended. An accompanist will be provided upon request. If requesting an NWU accompanist, send music two weeks before audition. It is not recommended that the student use an accompaniment tape or CD.
   Instrumental: Choose quality solo literature to show your talent. Memorization is not required. An accompanist will be provided upon request. If requesting an NWU accompanist, send music two weeks before audition.
   Piano: Choose two selections of contrasting style from the standard piano repertoire. Memorization is recommended. Be prepared to sight-read a short accompaniment.
2. Provide a brief (1-page) resumé of your performing experience (solos, ensembles), and repertoire lists from your private study (grades 9-12). You may attach this to the scholarship audition application, or bring it with you to the audition).

Students must have completed their FAFSA forms and returned them to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office to receive notification of music scholarship awards. Notification of scholarship awards will be made to all applicants as soon as all auditions have been completed.