The National Society of Arts and Letters s1
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARTS AND LETTERS
SHIRLEY RABB WINSTON SCHOLARSHIP IN CLASSICAL VOICE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WASHINGTON, DC CHAPTER APPLICANTS
An annual scholarship in honor of Shirley Rabb Winston is available through the National Society of Arts and Letters to singers, aged 16 through 22.
The scholarship funds are for private study, special training or personal advancement in the applicant’s career. Scholarship funds cannot be used for college tuition, housing or travel.
The funds are sent to the institution, teacher or program selected by the scholarship recipient, who has 15 months to use the scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded at two levels. The first is the chapter level, where each chapter determines its finalists. Each chapter can submit up to two finalists to the national level.
At the chapter level a total of $1,000 in awards will be presented to a maximum of two finalists, with a maximum of $750 to any one individual. Additional awards will be made for other high-ranking applicants. In 2016 seven additional awards were made.
At the national level, a total of $10,000 will be available to the top finalists, with a maximum of $5,000 to any one finalist.
Applicants may apply as often as their age allows, except those who have previously been awarded National Scholarships may not reapply. They are, however, eligible to compete in other NSAL competitions.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
1. be citizens of the United States of America. Copies of birth certificates or naturalization papers must be submitted with the applications
2. be at least 16 years old, but not yet 23 by February 1, 2017
3. not be a previous recipient of a national award for the Winston Scholarship in Classical Voice
Geography: The NSAL Washington, DC Chapter includes Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia.
REPERTOIRE and APPLICATION
1. Complete the application form. Be clear about your commitment to a vocal career. Specify your plans for further study, e.g., private study or other special training.
2. Prepare a current, high-quality video according to the following requirements:
a. Video must contain three (3) vocal selections from opera, art song or oratorio
b. One song must be in English
c. Each of the songs must be contrasting in style and sung from memory
d. Total time of the video cannot exceed 10 minutes
e. Individual selections may not be edited
f. Audio may not be enhanced
g. The singer should be clearly visible
h. Do not submit a recording of a performance
i. Submit only one video that contains all three selections
3. Upload the completed video to YouTube. Identify yourself by name only. List your song titles and composers in the description.
4. Email or mail the following to the NSAL-DC Chapter: (1) the completed application form, (2) your birth certificate and/or naturalization papers, and (3) the URL link to your YouTube video.
These should be submitted to: Mrs. Sherry Watkins, NSAL DC Chapter, , 9500 Spinet Ct., Vienna VA 22182. Phone: 703-281-2505.
Mail these not later than January 28, 2017, as the DC Chapter MUST receive them by January 31. EARLY SUBMISSION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
ADJUDICATION
1. Judges will select the YouTube auditions of a maximum of two performers
2. The auditions will be judged in two age groups: 16-18 and 19-22
3. Chapters can submit a maximum of two finalist(s) to the National Chair before March 1, 2017
4. Recipients of awards at the DC Chapter level will be announced by mid-March
5. National Winston Voice Scholarship recipients will be announced by April 1, 2017
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the NSAL Washington, DC Chapter Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarship awards please contact: Mrs. Sherry Watkins, 9500 Spinet Ct., Vienna VA 22182; ; phone: 703-281-2505.