Each February, between 30 and 50 young musicians and performers compete for scholarships awarded by the foundation.
Scholarships
Scholarships may be used for any music-related expenses, including private music lessons, equipment or sheet music. Saving for college? BMF Scholarships can also be applied to your 529 Plan! Recent winners have applied their scholarship awards to music camps such as Interlochen Arts Academy, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Herter Music Camp, the University of Michigan, and Central Michigan University.
Competition
Competition is open to all Intermediate and High School students who reside and/or study in the Bay County area. Judging is provided by qualified professional musicians and teachers.
Students in grades 6-8 are classified as "Intermediate", grades 9-12 are classified as "Senior", and competitors who have previously won 1st place their competition must compete at the next level. Previous 1st place winners of the senior level must compete at the "Advanced" level.
Within each division there are four categories of competition:
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Piano
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Instrumental (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, & Percussion)
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Voice
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Musical Theater
A first and second place scholarship is given in each division and category. Judges may also award honorable mentions as well as a discretionary "Tony Rongo Honor Scholarship" Award.
Fees and Deadlines
There is a $25.00 application fee which must be submitted with your application prior to the deadline date (see application), after which there will be a $10.00 Late Entry Fee due at registration. A current photo of the student (for publicity purposes) will be required of competition winners on the day of the "Winners' Showcase" Concert.
Click here for an Application Packet and more information!
Click here for a list of available accompanists
The last competition was wonderful. A "Winners' Showcase" concert, featuring the competition winners, was presented the following Sunday afternoon. Click here for last year's results!
