Chapter Scholarships
The Lancaster Chapter AGO is pleased to offer two scholarship opportunities for organ study
Beginning Organist Scholarship
The purpose of the Beginning Organist Scholarship is to financially supplement the serious study of the organ by a qualified applicant, either at an institution of higher education or with a private instructor acceptable to the Scholarship Committee. Up to $400 may be awarded to successful applicants.
QUALIFICATIONS
Each applicant must:
Have a permanent address within the Lancaster AGO area.
Be, or become a member of, the Lancaster Chapter AGO (regular, student, or chapter friend) upon award of the scholarship.
Have not previously studied organ, or have engaged in less than two years of organ study.
Have completely spent funds from any previous Lancaster AGO scholarship awards.
Demonstrate the potential for excellence in their application and audition.
AUDITION VIDEO CONTENT
A two-octave scale of the applicant’s choosing, using both hands simultaneously.
Choose one of the following piano repertoire options:
A two-part invention by J. S. Bach
A movement from a Sonatina by Clementi
An equivalent piece of piano repertoire
A hymn in four-part harmony, played on either piano or organ.
An organ selection that demonstrates ability level (only for applicants that have previous experience on organ).
Lunt-McConnell Scholarship
The purpose of the Lunt-McConnell Scholarship is to financially supplement the serious study of the organ by a qualified applicant, either at an institution of higher education or with a private instructor acceptable to the Scholarship Committee. Up to $500 may be awarded to successful applicants.
QUALIFICATIONS
Each applicant must:
Have a permanent address within the Lancaster AGO area.
Be, or become a member of, the Lancaster Chapter AGO (regular, student, or chapter friend) upon award of the scholarship.
Have previously studied organ at least two years.
Have completely spent funds from any previous Lancaster AGO scholarship awards.
Demonstrate the potential for excellence in their application and audition.
AUDITION VIDEO CONTENT
Two contrasting selections of organ repertoire that demonstrate technical and musical facility.
One hymn in four-part harmony, with pedals.
TIMELINE and REQUIREMENTS for all APPLICANTS
Right away - Inform your teacher of your audition requirements and deadline.
On or before April 15, 2025 - Submit an application and audition video using the form below.
On or before May 1, 2025 - Applicants will be informed of their audition result.
If selected to receive the scholarship, recipients should plan on the following:
May 12, 2025, 6pm - Attend the Lancaster AGO Annual Banquet at Lancaster Church of the Brethren to be greeted by the chapter membership, meet last year’s scholarship recipients, and hear them perform at the Annual Meeting following the banquet.
June 12, 2025, 7pm - Attend the Lancaster Summer Arts Organ Recital at First Reformed Church, Lancaster to be recognized and greeted by the chapter membership.
June 2025 - Applicants’ instructors will be contacted by the chapter Treasurer with reimbursement instructions.
May 2026, 6pm (exact date TBD) - Attend the Lancaster AGO Annual Banquet at Lancaster Church of the Brethren and perform at the Annual Meeting following the banquet, demonstrating their progress to the chapter membership.
Our scholarships are our way of thanking YOU for sustaining and advancing the craft of organ-playing.
The best way you can thank US for the financial support is to:
Practice exactly what your teacher assigns to the best of your understanding and ability
Attend Lancaster Chapter AGO events
Prepare the best possible performance for our Annual Banquet