Applications open for Brown awards

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Online applications are available for the 2024 Anna Newell Brown Awards for Vocal Excellence and the Betty F. Brown Awards for Instrumental Excellence, administered by Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.

The competitions are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10 at Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Helen Haddad Hall, 315 Franklin St.

High school seniors who are Bartholomew County residents are eligible to compete in the annual contests for college scholarships or private instruction.

The first-place performer in each senior competition will receive a $3,500 award and may be given an invitation to perform with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. High school sophomores and juniors who are residents of Bartholomew County can compete for scholarships for music lessons or camps.

Independent judges from area colleges and universities will critique participants’ technique, interpretation and general musicianship.

Complete eligibility requirements and application link and instructions are available at heritagefundbc.org.

Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.

The Anna Newell Brown Awards for Vocal Excellence were established through the Heritage Fund in 1985 by Robert and Betty Brown to honor Brown’s mother, Anna Newell Brown. She was a distinguished vocalist and contributed greatly to the cultural life of the Bartholomew County community. The Betty F. Brown Awards for Instrumental Excellence were established by Robert N. Brown in memory of Betty. Mrs. Brown was a well-known and highly respected advocate and patron of the arts, both locally and statewide.

The scholarships aim to encourage formal vocal and music education for Bartholomew County students.

For more information, contact Scholarship Manager Jeanette Marsh at 812-376-7772.