The Clarkston Music Conservatory has been part of the Clarkston community since 1961; and for the first time, is offering two scholarships for those interested in training their musical or vocal talents.
Both scholarships were established through memorial funds in honor of loved ones. The first of which was established in memory of Conservatory Director Jim Wilhelmsen’s father, Robert.
‘My farther passed away last year and our family put together a memorial scholarship,? said Wilhemsen.
The other scholarship was established in memory of Mary Fabrizio, the mother of a conservatory board member.
Wilhelmsen said both scholarships will be for $350, which would cover a large portion of a semester’s cost.
According to Wilhelmsen, candidates for both scholarships will be evaluated on the basis of need, commitment and ability.
‘People that have been taking lessons and show a desire and commitment to those lessons ? they practice, they’re interested, they want to continue ? that’s what we mean by commitment, and we can only establish that by what other people tell us about the student,? Wilhelmsen said, adding that they are looking for recommendations to help establish commitment.
Ability will be tested at auditions held on Jan. 14, 2006 from 1-6 p.m. Those wanting to apply for the scholarships are required to sign-up for an audition time. A sing-up sheet will be available at the conservatory starting Jan. 3, according to Wilhelmsen.
Wilhelmsen said need will be establish through a short, narrative essay as to why an applicant needs the money. Wilhelmsen said the essay should be a few paragraphs long and turned in at an applicant’s audition time.
‘We want some sort of written narrative, not a financial statement,? Wilhelmsen said.
The scholarships will not be awarded until the conservatory’s school-wide recital in May, but Wilhelmsen said the winners will be notified earlier, likely sometime in February.
Like the conservatory, the scholarships are available to music enthusiasts of all ages.
‘We are a community music school, so we take everybody. No auditions required to study here, and we have students literally from birth to… 80-something,? said Wilhelmsen.
According to Wilhelmsen, the conservatory has not offered scholarships in the past due to a lack of available funding, but hopefully through future fund-raisers, both scholarships will be awarded annually
The Clarkston Music Conservatory is located at 49 S. Main Street. For more information, call 248-625-3640 and ask for Jim Wilhelmsen, or visit www.clarkstonconservatory.org.