Elegibility & Evaluation Criteria
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2008 Senior Scholarship Program

The purpose of the Diamond State Chorus Scholarship Program is to advance the ideals of barbershop singing in central Arkansas by encouraging scholastic achievement and by increasing the local area's awareness of barbershop music.

The Diamond State Chorus Scholarship Program is underwritten by Sweet "P" Enterprises, Inc. a franchise of Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits.

Award: Available Scholarships include:

  • The "Diamond Scholarships" - Two $1,000 scholarship presented by the Diamond State Chorus, which can be used at any college.
  • ...and more are being investigated, including at Arkansas schools.

For the Diamond Scholarships, there are no financial qualifications.  A participant could win this one as well as one of the school scholarships. Applicant’s information and audition may be shared with college institutions whereas other scholarship opportunities may be offered from individual schools. The Diamond Scholarships are college scholarships only and are NOT applicable toward technical or trade school.  Student's college major or minor does not have to be voice or music, however some course of vocal music study is encouraged. The Diamond Scholarships are made available regardless of sex, race or religious/non-religious affiliation.

The individual school scholarship winners will be determined by representatives of those schools.  Their qualifications may be different than those for the Diamond Scholarships.

Important Dates:

April 13, 2008- Due date for receipt of scholarship applications.
April 27, 2008- Auditions, 2pm till 6pm (or earlier if completed), in Little Rock area, location TBA
July 19, 2008- Annual Chorus Show

Applicant Eligibility:

(1) Applicant shall NOT be an immediate family member of Diamond State Chorus members.

(2) Applicant must be recommended by his or her high school Vocal Music Director. More than one recommendation per high school may be made.

(3) Applicant must be a graduating senior attending an Arkansas high school.

(4) The Applicant may be asked to perform vocally in the Diamond State Chorus' Annual Show July 19, 2008 in Little Rock and attend appropriate rehearsals for said performance as determined by the Diamond State Chorus musical director.

 

Criteria for Evaluation of Applicants:

(1) Applicant shall submit an application including the student's musical education, experience, hobbies, interests and musical ambition.  Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

(2) Finalists will be required to audition in person.

(3) Academic promise as reported by teachers will be considered.

Restrictions:

(1) Eligibility for the scholarship shall be predicated upon the applicant taking a minimum of twelve (12) hours of college credit in their first semester.

  

For More Information:

Diamond State Chorus Vocal Music Scholarship Program
Jeff Nash
4624 Kenyon Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Email  info@DSCscholarship.org
(501-246-3026)

    

  Alex Ray, 2007 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Alex lives in Jacksonville and is graduating from Abundant Life High School. He plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and major in political science and sociology, with a view to a doctorate in constitutional law. He has attained All-Region Choir all four years, All-State Choir three years, and held leading roles in several school musicals. Alex is the son of Dennis and Rose Ray. 
 
 
 Jacob Watson , 2007 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Jacob lives in Wynne and is graduating from Wynne High School. He is planning to attend Ouachita Baptist University to pursue an undergraduate degree in Musical theatre and a graduate degree in a related field. He has attained All-Region and All-State Choir three years, parti- cipated in theatre projects at Wynne High School, East Arkansas Community College, and Wynne Baptist Church. He is the son of Keith and Cindy Watson.  
 
 
 
Chelsea Smith , 2006 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Chelsea lives in Wynne and is graduating from Wynne High School. She plans to attend Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri and major in Music Education. She finds that music helps her express herself which contributed to her involvement in many organizations and community service projects. Chelsea is the daughter of Dennis and Janet Smith.
 
 
 
 
Rebecca Ruth Stanley, 2006 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Rebecca lives in Little Rock and is graduating from Mount St. Mary
Academy. She is planning to attend the University of the Ozarks to pursue a music major and Christian studies. She believes that music can speak to people and help them in their times of need. Rebecca is the daughter of Gene and Eleanor Ruth Stanley.
 
Christopher Straw, 2005 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Christopher attends Parkvew Arts Magnet in Little Rock and is active in yearly musicals, PV Praise Choir, Beta Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Solo Festival. He has been All Region and All State choir. Christopher plans to attend Oklahoma City University to study music and theatre.
Lindsey Wright, 2005 "Diamond Scholarship" winner. Lindsey attends Centerpoint High School at Glenwood where she is active in choir, FBLA, FCA, Beta Club, cheerleading, basketball, golf, plus many extracurricular activities and honors. She is planning to attend Ouachita Baptist University, majoring in mass communications and political science.

Rachel Fruchey, 2004 scholarship winner. She attends Little Rock Christian, active in Vocal Ensembles, Players Drama Club, Mixed Chorus, National Beta Club, National Honor Roll and many other activities and honors, and is planning to attend Ouachita Baptist University.

Levon Michael Parker, 2003 scholarship winner, from Sylvan Hills High School, has been a member of the All-Region and All-State Choirs as well as The Stage Fright Barbershop Quintet, A cappella Choir, Company One Concert Choir, and the Soundsation Show Choir.

Allison L. Stanford, 2002 scholarship winner performing on stage at the Diamond State Chorus' annual show. Allison's talent was recognized by Vocal Music Director R. David Langston who chose her to represent Conway High School.  Allison was selected by the Scholarship Committee amid a field of 17 Vocal Music Finalists.

Jessica Erin Gartman, Sheridan High School, 2001 Scholarship winner. Jessica subsequently became Miss OBU and was a contender in the Miss Arkansas pageant for 2003. You can go to http://www.obu.edu/news/story.asp?ID=297 for more information on Jessica Gartman, or go to http://www.obu.edu/news/ and search Jessica Gartman for other related stories.