Deadline for applications Feb. 17
Foothills Music Club (FMC) scholarship applications are now available for students studying vocal and/or instrumental music currently in grades ninth through 12 in Polk and Rutherford counties and Landrum.
Application forms and scholarship information have been given to school and private music teachers for prospective scholarship applicants. These forms may also be requested by emailing ejenkins@windstream.net or calling Elaine Jenkins, FMC scholarship chair, at 828-894-6493.
Application forms must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 17 and mailed to Foothills Music Club, c/o Elaine Jenkins, 61 Prince Cemetery Lane, Tryon, N.C. 28782.
Auditions for scholarships will be held Friday afternoon, March 2 and Saturday morning, March 3 in the choir room of the Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon. Three award winners will be selected. In addition to receiving monetary recognition, winners will be asked to perform for the Foothills Music Club membership on April 12.
For the purpose of encouraging young musicians to continue developing their skills, the FMC offers scholarships each year to music students who, after a minimum of three years of study, demonstrate promise and wish to pursue their interest and talent.  This financial support can be applied to the cost of lessons, purchase of music or repair/purchase of instruments.
In 2011, the FMC awarded  $1,700 in scholarships. This support for area student musical talent has been ongoing since the beginning of the FMC in 1988. To date, more than $30,000 has been awarded to young musicians in the area.
Members of the FMC meet monthly for mini-recitals and programs in members’ homes. Each FMC member is expected to perform at least once during the scheduled meeting year. This may include solo and/or ensemble presentations usually focused on certain themes.
On Jan. 12, a public concert was offered at the Polk campus of Isothermal Community College. The annual member/organist organ concert is scheduled to be performed at the Congregational Church in Tryon on March 8 at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.
– article submitted by Elaine Jenkins