How do I get an Ensemble Award?
Candidates for the scholarship must complete a standard conservatory audition, either here in Appleton or at one of the regional sites around the country. The audition requirements are the same for a music major. You may only audition for an Ensemble Award during your application timeline in your senior year of high school; that is, you cannot audition for an Ensemble Award later during your time at Lawrence.
Can I still participate in ensembles as a non-major even if I don’t receive the ensemble award?
Yes! Auditions for ensembles happen in the fall after you move to campus. Come audition!
Can I get an ensemble award for an instrument I’ve never played?
To be awarded an ensemble award, you must complete a regular audition either on campus, at a regional audition location, or by submitting a recording during your senior year of high school. It is awarded to encourage students to continue private lessons and participate in our ensembles. While we can’t say a simple yes or no, you must be at a proficient level to complete a successful ensemble award audition. Once you get to college, we encourage you to explore learning new instruments if you are interested.
Do I have to submit the extra application materials (music resume and a music teacher recommendation) that are required for music majors if I'm just interested in auditioning for an Ensemble Award?
While music majors are required to submit a music resume (which includes music festivals attended, names of private teachers, repertoire they have been working on) and a music teacher evaluation (from an ensemble director or a private teacher), students auditioning for an Ensemble Award are not required to submit those extra materials.
However, those materials do help our faculty get to know your musical interests and background. While not required, we would encourage you to either submit those optional materials or fill out a music interest form which asks for a bit more specific music information than the application. It's a great way for us to learn more about you (and takes a bit of pressure off the audition itself).
Anything else we didn't think of?