Three Scholarships will be awarded:
- First Place $1000
- Second Place $800
- Third Place $500
Requirements for applicants are as follows:
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and live in Burlington, Camden, and Mercer Counties.
- Applicant must be a high school senior, or college undergrad, who would like to/are advance their music education.
- Have a minimum 2.75 GPA on 4.0 scale, unweighted.
- Be actively singing in a choir in church, school, or their community.
Application Process
Online application must submitted by 11:59 pm on the deadline date of March 15th, 2025. To include:
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: One (1) from a high school representative and one (1) from a music teacher, coach, or choral conductor. Please have them emailed directly to essencehcs@gmail.com.
- CV listing any and all past and current choir groups or activities. Upload below.
- A recent print quality photograph suitable for publication (ie. graduation or other print ready photograph) to be used in the program and on social media, for the selected semifinalists. Selfies will not be admissible. Upload below.
Part 2 - Video Audition Submission
Please email a video performing a Negro Spiritual or Hymn of the Black church. Begin with a personal statement to include your name, your musical background, and what music means to you. Please allow 2 minutes for your statement and no more than 5 for your song selection. Can they can be sent to essencehcs@gmail.com.
Finals
- The finalists will be contacted on or before March 9th. You'll be invited to perform live at the in-person competition. The details are as follows: Saturday, March 22nd at 1pm. First Presbyterian Church 101 Bridgeboro Rd. Moorestown, NJ 08057
- You will be asked to prepare 2 selections, one for the competition, and one for an encore should they place first. *Again, it is highly reccomended that the student provide their own accompanist.* The judging criteria will be the same as the semi finals, with different judges.
- After all finalists have sung, there will be a break in the competition for the judges scores to be computed and the finalists and winners to be determined. During this time, there will be a short performance by the Essence of Harmony Choral Society.
- After the performance, the finalists will be called up and winners will be announced, at which time the awards will be given. The 1st place winner will then be invited to perform a second song as an encore.
Remittance of funds
The scholarship award will be sent directly to the winners. Please ensure all address information is correct.