Vocal Scholarships Available to Local Students
HARTFORD, Conn., April 15, 2003 - The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts will be holding auditions for the 2nd Annual Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship, a scholarship program for young singers. The Fellowship is made possible through a generous gift from the Darling family of Simsbury and is named in recognition of both their Ensign family heritage and their long-time interest in The Bushnell.
"We are moved by the Darling family's generosity," said Yolande Spears, Senior Director of Education and Community Initiatives at The Bushnell. "These scholarships will help some young singers, who are already very talented, hone their craft."
The Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship is a full scholarship vocal program for a small number of very talented young singers interested in classical and theatrical music and who will be entering ninth, tenth and eleventh grade in the fall of 2003.
Fellows will receive weekly private voice lessons, vocal coaching and tutoring in music skills. Whenever possible, the teachers, coaches and tutors will be chosen from areas of Connecticut where the vocal fellows reside. Vocal fellows will also have access to workshops, presentations, master classes and select performances given throughout the 2003-2004 season at The Bushnell.
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Connecticut, be entering ninth, tenth or eleventh grade in fall 2003 and be referred for the audition by a music professional who knows the applicant (voice or instrumental teacher, choral conductor, musical theater director, etc.).
Applicants must submit the completed application form and recommendations to Brenda Dranoff-Lopez at The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106 by May 28 and be available for the audition in Hartford at The Bushnell June 14-15, 2003. To receive an application, call (860) 987-6042 or email brenda_lopez@bushnell.org.
There are a limited number of audition timeslots available. Completed applications will be processed, and audition appointments will be scheduled, on a first come, first served basis. First-round auditions will take place on Saturday, June 14. Applicants must prepare two contrasting pieces in their field of interest (classical music or theatrical music). They must bring along printed sheet music. An accompanist will be provided, but applicants may bring their own accompanists, if desired. Callbacks will take place on Sunday, June 15 and will include an interview with members of the audition panel.
About The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts - The Bushnell is Connecticut's premier performing arts center, hosting more than 450 events yearly, including major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, local arts and community events. In November 2001, The Bushnell completed a $45 million expansion project that added a second, 907-seat theater to the existing historic structure. The new, state-of-the-art performance hall allows for expanded arts, entertainment and community offerings. The Bushnell's nationally-recognized arts-in-education program, PARTNERS (Partners in Arts and Education Revitalizing Schools), is a cross-community educational effort serving 40 schools in 17 districts throughout the Greater Hartford area. The Bushnell opened in January 1930 and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call The Bushnell at (860) 987-6000, The Bushnell Box Office at (860) 987-5900 or visit our website at www.bushnell.org.