American Wind Band to hold scholarship auditions

American Wind Band continues to inspire talented young band musicians with its 24th annual scholarship auditions.

The scholarships are provided to encourage private music study or participation in a band camp.

Only top performers in eighth grade and high school are eligible. One high school finalist will be awarded a $1,700 scholarship and another finalist will receive $1,500. One eighth-grade finalist will receive a $1,650 scholarship and another finalist will receive $1,275.

In a two-step audition process, applicants will provide an unaccompanied audio only recording of their solo for the first round. Applications and recordings must be received on or before Feb. 23, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

Mail the application to: American Wind Band, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 605, Downers Grove, IL 60515. They prefer that applicants upload the recording to YouTube (directions are in the information letter).

An information letter, audition information and application form can be found at americanwindband.org/scolarships.html.

Based upon the first-round recordings, the scholarship committee will select contestants to compete in the second round. The second round will be an in-person performance on Saturday, March 16, from 1-4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.

Questions can be sent via e-mail to americanwindbandil@gmail.com. They wish to thank the scholarship donors.

The scholarship winners will perform the American Wind Band Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road.