Foothills Music Club scholarship applications are now available for young musicians with a minimum of three years of study in vocal and/or instrumental music currently in grades 9 through 12 in Polk and Rutherford counties and Landrum.

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 mew56@windstream.net or accessed for printing at www.foothillsmusicclub.org. Questions should be directed to Meryt Wilson, FMC scholarship chair, at 828-429-7291.

Application forms must be postmarked by Monday, Feb. 17, and mailed to Foothills Music Club, c/o Meryt Wilson, 5048 Peniel Road, Tryon, NC 28782.

Auditions for scholarships will be Thursday afternoon, March 6, and Saturday morning, March 8, in the choir room of the Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon. Three award winners will be selected.

In addition to receiving monetary recognition, winners will be expected to perform for the Foothills Music Club membership on April 10.

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 promise and wish to pursue their interest and talent.

The scholarships are to be applied to the cost of lessons, purchase of music, or repair/purchase of instruments.

In 2013, the FMC awarded prizes totaling $2,450.  Support for student musical talent has been ongoing 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.

Members of the Foothills Music Club are as dedicated to this community involvement as they are to sustaining their own musical talents, whether vocal or instrumental, through performance.

Monthly meetings of mini-recitals and programs are held in members’ homes.  Each FMC member is expected to perform at least once during the scheduled meeting year.

This may include solo and/or ensemble presentations usually focused on certain themes.  On Jan.  9, 2014, a public concert will be offered at the Polk campus of Isothermal Community College.  The annual organ concert is scheduled at Holy Cross Episcopal Church on March 13 at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

– article submitted
by Meryt Wilson