Fine Arts Scholarships
The Concordia Prep Fine Arts Scholarships recognize outstanding students, new and returning, who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, and achievement across the visual and performing arts. These awards celebrate creativity and inspires students to pursue excellence in all artistic endeavors.
Fine Arts Scholarships recognize Middle and Upper School students in the following areas:
- Music-Instrumental
- Music-Vocal
- Performing Arts (Theatre)
- Visual Arts
Additional information is outlined below regarding the scholarship application process, requirements, and additional details about specific information for each area.
Scholarship Requirements
Fine Arts Scholarship Application
Students should complete the scholarship application by Wednesday, December 17th.
Recommendation Letter
Students should request a letter of recommendation from a private instructor or fine arts teacher.
Recommendations should be sent directly to Mr. Stephen Berger, Director of Admissions, via email by Wednesday, December 17th.
Interview with Audition or Portfolio Review
Required Candidate Interviews
Interviews for candidates applying for a Fine Arts Scholarship will be conducted on the following dates:
- Friday, January 9th: 3:15 - 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 10th: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Friday, January 23rd: 3:15 - 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, January 24th: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Each appointment should be scheduled to allow approximately 30 minutes for the interview and 10 minutes for either the audition or portfolio review.
Audition or Portfolio Review
As part of the new student interview process, applicants will also participate in an audition or portfolio review. Students will need to bring their art portfolio and/or materials with them to perform on their scheduled interview date.
More information about scheduling interviews will be provided once completed application are received.
Tuition Assistance Application
Each candidate's family is required to complete a tuition assistance application through one of our assistance program partners: either CLARITY or FACTS.
All new and returning Concordia Prep families must complete an online financial assistance application from one of our partners each year to be eligible for tuition assistance consideration. Since a family’s economic and financial circumstances change from year to year, the School reviews submitted applications annually to determine eligibility.
Music-Instrumental
Requirements for portfolios and interviews along with scholarship expectation for both Middle and Upper School students are noted below.
Please contact Mr. Adam Schweyer, Music Faculty and Band Director via email with any questions.
Auditions
Middle School
Piano Accompanist Scholarship
Middle School students should prepare two selections (noted below) for the audition. One selection should be a solo piano piece of the student’s choosing, and the other should be the piano accompaniment for one of the choral pieces linked below. These pieces do not need to be memorized, but we ask that you bring a copy of your solo selection for the audition facilitators.
The student may also be asked to demonstrate knowledge of Major and Harmonic Minor scales, up to three sharps and three flats, two octaves, and hands together from memory.
Available Selections
If the provided selections are not within the candidate's current level of playing, bring two pieces of contrasting styles that demonstrate competency of playing in multiple keys, pedal usage, and dynamic and expressive techniques.
String Scholarship
Middle School students should prepare to complete the following for their audition:
- Play the D major scale and quarter notes in as many octaves as possible
- Select and play one (1) of the Audition Excerpts
Sight-reading materials will be provided on the day of the candidate's audition.
Band Scholarship
Middle School students should prepare to complete the following for their audition:
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Play Concert Bb major scale, quarter notes
- Select and play one (1) of the Audition Excerpts
- Percussion
- Play Concert Bb major scale, quarter notes
- Play two (2) of the following rudiments:
- Multiple bounce/orchestral/buzz roll
- Double stroke roll
- Single paradiddle
- Flam
- Play both the snare drum excerpt and mallet excerpt from the Audition Excerpts
Sight-reading materials will be provided on the day of the candidate's audition.
Upper School
Piano Accompanist Scholarship
Upper School students should prepare two selections (noted below) for the audition. One selection should be a solo piano piece of the student’s choosing, and the other should be the piano accompaniment for one of the choral pieces linked below. These pieces do not need to be memorized, but we ask that you bring a copy of your solo selection for the audition facilitators.
The student may also be asked to demonstrate knowledge of Major and Harmonic Minor scales, up to three sharps and three flats, two octaves, and hands together from memory.
Available Selections
If the provided selections are not within the candidate's current level of playing, bring two pieces of contrasting styles that demonstrate competency of playing in multiple keys, pedal usage, and dynamic and expressive techniques.
String Scholarship
Upper School students should prepare to complete the following for their audition:
- Play one (1) of the following major scales in quarter notes for as many octaves as they are able: D, G, A, C
- Play one (1) of the following natural minor scales in quarter notes for as many octaves as they are able: d, g
- Play a solo of your choice that is no longer than four (4) minutes and prepared ahead of time
- An accompanist will not be provided. If possible, bring your own; however, performing without accompaniment is also acceptable.
Sight-reading materials will be provided on the day of the candidate's audition.
Band Scholarship
Upper School students should prepare to complete the following for their audition:
Brass and Woodwinds
- Play one (1) of the following major scales, concert pitch, quarter notes, for as many octaves as they are able: B♭, E♭, A♭, F, or C
- Play one (1) of the following natural minor scales, concert pitch, quarter notes, for as many octaves as they are able: g or c
- Play the Chromatic Scale, quarter notes, for the full ranges of the candidate's instrument (pick starting and ending notes)
- Play a solo of your choice that is no longer than four (4) minutes and prepared ahead of time
Percussion
- Play one (1) of the following major scales, concert pitch, quarter notes, for as many octaves as they are able: B♭, E♭, A♭, F, or C
- Play one (1) of the following natural minor scales, concert pitch, quarter notes, for as many octaves as they are able: g or c
- Play two (2) of the following rudiments:
- Multiple bounce/orchestral/buzz roll
- Double stroke roll
- Single paradiddle
- Flam
- Drag
- Play a solo of your choice that is no longer than four (4) minutes and prepared ahead of time
- An accompanist will not be provided. If possible, bring your own; however, performing without accompaniment is also acceptable.
- Play both the snare drum excerpt and mallet excerpt from the Audition Excerpts
Sight-reading materials will be provided on the day of the candidate's audition.
Note: This is an annual process for all scholarship candidates. Current scholarship recipients will be required to provide an annual portfolio for review.
Interview
Middle and Upper School
Scholarship candidates will participate and engage in an interview with Concordia Prep faculty in the music department.
Candidates should plan to discuss their interests in instrumental music, their prior performances, and their participation in the instrumental music program here at Concordia Prep.
Scholarship Expectations
Middle School
Middle School students awarded visual arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Enroll in Middle School art courses
- Actively participate in visual arts-related projects and initiatives on campus, such as painting for theatrical productions, designing event program covers, creating visuals for graphic designs, and promoting various campus events and programs
Upper School
Upper School students awarded visual arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Enroll in at least four (4) of the following art courses:
- Fundamentals of Art
- Art I
- Art II
- Advanced Studio I, II, III, IV
- Be an active member in the Art Club or a similar club at Concordia Prep
- Actively participate in visual arts-related projects and initiatives on campus, such as painting for theatrical productions, designing event program covers, creating visuals for graphic designs, developing art displays on campus and within the community, and promoting various campus events and programs
- Contribute to the student writing and arts journals
Music-Vocal
Requirements for portfolios and interviews along with scholarship expectation for both Middle and Upper School students are noted below.
Please contact Mr. Avery Kesar, Music Faculty and Choir Director, via email with any questions.
Auditions
Middle School
At the audition, candidates will complete the following:
- Vocal exercises to determine range
- Aural Skills Assessment: Candidates will be given 4-5 pitches to sing back to the instructor
- Rhythmic Sight Reading: Candidates will be given four (4) measures that they will clap
- Pitch Sight Reading: Students will be given a starting note and tonality, sight-reading a 4-measure excerpt
- Sing the first verse of either one of the following songs with pre-recorded accompaniment:
Upper School
At the audition, candidates will complete the following:
- Vocal exercises to determine range
- Aural Skills Assessment: Candidates will be given 4-5 pitches to sing back to the audition facilitator
- Rhythmic Sight Reading: Candidates will be given eight (8) measures that they will clap
- Pitch Sight Reading: Students will be given a starting note and tonality, sight-reading an 8-measure excerpt
- Sing the first verse of either one of the following songs without accompaniment and in any key of their choosing:
- America, the Beautiful
- My Country 'Tis of Thee
- Special Note: The audition facilitator will provide tonality in any key and start them.
Note: This is an annual process for all scholarship candidates. Current scholarship recipients will be required to provide an annual portfolio for review.
Interview
Middle and Upper School
Scholarship candidates will participate and engage in an interview with Concordia Prep faculty in the music department.
Candidates should plan to discuss their interests in vocal music, their prior performances, and their participation in the vocal music program here at Concordia Prep.
Scholarship Expectations
Middle School
Middle School students awarded vocal music scholarships will be expected to:
- Be involved in Choral Ensemble
- Audition for Junior All-State Ensemble
- Audition for the all-school spring musical
- Sing special music for select school events
- Actively participate in Chapel Band
- Sing the national anthem as a soloist or in a small group for sporting events and special assemblies
- Perform as a soloist or in a small group at the annual "A Concordia Prep Christmas" event in December
Upper School
Upper School students awarded vocal music scholarships will be expected to:
- Be involved in choir through their high school career
- Audition for All-State Ensemble
- Audition for the all-school spring musical
- Sing special music for select school events
- Actively participate in Chapel Band
- Sing the national anthem as a soloist or in a small group for sporting events and special assemblies
- Perform as a soloist or in a small group at the annual "A Concordia Prep Christmas" event in December
Performing Arts
Requirements for portfolios and interviews along with scholarship expectation for both Middle and Upper School students are noted below.
Please contact Mrs. Joy Johnson, Theatre Director, via email with any questions.
Audition
Middle School
At the audition, candidates will complete the following:
- Present a prepared/memorized monologue (comedic or dramatic) from a published source that is no more than two (2) minutes in length
- Sing 16-32 measures of a song in vocal range (with karaoke track)
- Non-vocal track required at the time of the audition
Upper School
At the audition, candidates will complete the following:
- Plays and Musical Theatre
- Submit an acting resume at time of audition
- Present a prepared/memorized monologue (comedic or dramatic) from a published source that is no more than two (2) minutes in length
- Sing 16-32 measures of a song in vocal range (with karaoke track)
- Non-vocal track required at the time of the audition
- Stage Design and Production (Tech/Stage Management)
- Submit a theatre resume at time of audition
- Submit a theatre resume at time of audition
Note: This is an annual process for all scholarship candidates. Current scholarship recipients will be required to provide an annual portfolio for review.
Interview
Middle and Upper School
Scholarship candidates will participate and engage in an interview with Concordia Prep faculty in the theatre department.
Candidates should plan to discuss their interests in performing arts, their prior performances, and their participation in the theatre music program here at Concordia Prep.
Scholarship Expectations
Middle School
Middle School students awarded performing arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Enroll in at least one (1) of the following courses:
- Introduction to Drama
- Drama II
- As a member of this course, students participate onstage or work behind the scenes in the Middle School One Act Plays in the winter.
- Audition for the all-school spring musical
- Work behind the scenes in one (1) of the following areas:
- Stage Crew
- Audio/Visual
- Painting
- Costuming
- Hair/Makeup
- Actively participate in school activities, such as the variety show and special drama-related school chapels, and other performing arts events
Upper School
Upper School students awarded performing arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Be an active member of the Drama Club or another club at Concordia Prep
- Enroll in at least two (2) of the following courses:
- Introduction to Theatre
- Introduction to Acting
- Advanced Acting
- Play Production
- Audition for the fall play and all-school spring musical
- Work behind the scenes in a leadership role in at least one (1) of the following areas for both fall and spring productions:
- Stage Management
- Audio/Visual
- Design/Contruction
- Costuming
- Hair/Makeup
- Run audio/tech for concerts, shows, performances, and other events, like chapels and special assemblies
- Actively participate in school activities, such as the variety show and special drama-related school chapels, and other performing arts events
Visual Arts
Requirements for portfolios and interviews along with scholarship expectation for both Middle and Upper School students are noted below.
Please contact Mrs. Marcie Barth, Visual Arts Faculty via email with any questions.
Portfolio
Middle School
Scholarship candidates for visual arts should provide a portfolio with three (3) original artwork samples in the following areas:
- Drawing (i.e., pencil, colored pencils, pastels, oil pastels)
- Painting (i.e., watercolor, tempera paints, acrylic paints)
- Ceramic, clay, or other 3-dimensional work
Note: This is an annual process for all scholarship candidates. Current scholarship recipients will be required to provide an annual portfolio for review.
Upper School
Scholarship candidates for visual arts should provide a portfolio with a minimum of three (3) original artwork samples that demonstrate skills in a variety of mediums.
Note: This is an annual process for all scholarship candidates. Current scholarship recipients will be required to provide an annual portfolio for review.
Interview
Middle and Upper School
Scholarship candidates will participate and engage in an interview with Concordia Prep faculty in the visual arts department.
Candidates should plan to discuss the art in their portfolios, any techniques used for their art, and the process in which their art came to be.
Scholarship Expectations
Middle School
Middle School students awarded visual arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Enroll in Middle School art courses
- Actively participate in visual arts-related projects and initiatives on campus, such as painting for theatrical productions, designing event program covers, creating visuals for graphic designs, and promoting various campus events and programs
Upper School
Upper School students awarded visual arts scholarships will be expected to:
- Enroll in at least four (4) of the following art courses:
- Fundamentals of Art
- Art I
- Art II
- Advanced Studio I, II, III, IV
- Be an active member in the Art Club or a similar club at Concordia Prep
- Actively participate in visual arts-related projects and initiatives on campus, such as painting for theatrical productions, designing event program covers, creating visuals for graphic designs, developing art displays on campus and within the community, and promoting various campus events and programs
- Contribute to the student writing and arts journals
