The deadline is approaching for applications to be submitted for the Foothills Music Club scholarship auditions. Applications, which must be postmarked by Monday, Feb. 12, are now available for young musicians currently in grades 9 through 12 in Polk and Rutherford counties and Landrum, S.C. A minimum of three years of study in instrumental and/or vocal music is required.

Application forms and scholarship information have been given to school and private music teachers for prospective scholarship applicants. These forms may also be requested by e-mail to shackelford436@gmail.com or accessed for printing at www.foothillsmusicclub.org.  Questions should be directed to Jeanette Shackelford, FMC scholarship chair, at 828-859-0461.

Auditions for scholarships will be held Friday afternoon, March 2, and Saturday morning, March 3, in the choir room of the Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon. First, second and third place awards will be given. In addition to receiving monetary recognition, winners will be expected to perform for the Foothills Music Club membership on April 12, 2018.

For the purpose of encouraging young musicians to continue developing their skills, the Foothills Music Club Young Musicians Scholarship Program offers financial support to students who demonstrate music skill and wish to pursue their talent. The scholarships are to be applied to the cost of lessons, purchase of music, or repair/purchase of instruments.

In 2017, the FMC awarded prizes totaling $3,050. Support for student musical talent has been on-going since the beginning of the FMC in 1988. To date, a total of over $40,000 has been awarded to young musicians in the area.

In addition to supporting the Young Musicians Scholarship Program, members of the Foothills Music Club continue their music practice and perform in programs held in members’ homes.  The annual organ concert is scheduled at the Tryon Congregational Church on March 8 at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

– submitted by Jeanette Shackelford