The Laurel Lake Music Society (an IRS 501(c)3 charitable organization) at Tryon Estates is now accepting applications for auditions for the 2018 Cannon Music Camp scholarships.  The scholarships cover a comprehensive course of musical instruction, including room and board, with a distinguished faculty at the Cannon Music Camp from June 23 to July 14, 2018 at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. During the past 16 years the Laurel Lake Music Society has funded 123 scholarships. All funds used for these scholarships are the result of generous donations by Tryon Estates residents.

Applicants must expect to complete grades 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 by the end of the current school year and have at least two years public or private musical training. Students living in Polk County or in the Landrum High School area, or who will attend either of these high schools, are eligible to apply. Home- schooled students living in these areas are also eligible.

Students may compete in the following categories: Piano, Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion and Voice. Since 1969 Cannon Music Camp has offered intensive musical studies, with college preparatory work in performance and music theory.  The scholarships provide a three-week music retreat in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Audition applications must be submitted no later than Dec. 15 and consist of both the Laurel Lake Music Society and the Cannon Music Camp forms. An early application is strongly encouraged to give students adequate time to prepare music selections for the scholarship auditions. Application forms may be requested by calling (828-894-3726) or writing to Marilyn Yike, Laurel Lake Music Society, 615 Laurel Lake Dr.  # A-317, Columbus, NC 28722 or by contacting the music instructor at either Polk County High School or Landrum High School. Additional details regarding the program are available online at cannon.appstate.edu.

– submitted by Peter Cooke