This scholarship opportunity is made possible by the generosity of the late Helen W. Wipplinger, an accomplished musician and music lover. This scholarship is designed to promote and encourage the education and training of future church organists and pianists. Anyone wishing to pursue training to play in church should apply for this scholarship.
The Helen W. Wipplinger Organ and Piano Scholarship program was established to provide tuition funds for promising students for private study of the organ and piano.
Students must show an intention and promise to play the organ or piano for worship services in any church in Freeborn County, MN or St. Paul’s United Congregational Church of Christ in Minnesota Lake Township, Faribault County, MN.
3:00-6:00 PM
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements
- Any student currently enrolled in classes at District 241, Freeborn County, MN or
- Any student currently enrolled in classes at District 2134, Faribault County, MN or
- Any adult in Freeborn County , MN
**Home School Students, please see Instrumental/Vocal Scholarship
Awards
- Piano (26 thirty minute lessons) $520
- Organ (26 one hour lessons) $1,040
This scholarship is for one year of private lessons (26 lessons) on either the piano or the organ from a qualified private teacher of the student’s choice. This scholarship program offers an extraordinary opportunity for students to study with qualified teachers. Organ teachers must have pedagogical training. A list of qualified organ teachers in the area is available upon request.
Because of Mrs. Wipplinger’s interest in preparing musicians as organists for churches, organ scholarships will be given priority.
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the judges and the Civic Music Scholarship Committee.
As part of your scholarship acceptance, all recipients are required to participate in a celebratory showcase recital for the Albert Lea Civic Music Board, parents, friends, and teachers at the end of the following school year.
Winners will be notified by e-mail.
Detailed Requirements and Audition Information
All auditions will be performed before a panel of judges.
Application Fee $15
(Fee is waived if applicant has a current Civic Music Season Ticket)
Piano Audition Requirements
1) Please prepare one of the following:
- Beethoven’s “Sonatina in G” or
- Any piece from Burgmueller’s Op. 100 or
- Any piece from Heller’s Op. 45 or
- Any piece from Schumann’s Opus 68
2) A prepared piece of the applicant’s choice.
3) A hymn of applicant’s choice.
4) Sight Reading. A hymn will be chosen by the judges for sight reading.
5) At audition, applicants must provide an original copy of required selections for the judges with measure numbers marked.
6) A recommendation from a current teacher is required for all applicants.
Please instruct your teacher to submit their recommendation by April 15, 2024.
Organ Audition Requirements for First Time Applicant
1) Please prepare one of the following, played on the piano:
- Beethoven’s “Sonatina in G” or
- Any piece from Burgmueller’s Op. 100 or
- Any piece from Heller’s Op. 45 or
- Any piece from Schumann’s Opus 68
2) A prepared piece of the applicant’s choice, may be played on the piano or the organ.
3) A hymn of applicant’s choice, may be played on the piano or the organ.
4) Sight Reading. A hymn will be chosen by the judges for sight reading, may be played on the piano or the organ.
5) At audition, applicants must provide an original copy of required selections for the judges with measure numbers marked.
6) A recommendation from a current teacher is required for all applicants.
Please instruct your teacher to submit their recommendation by April 15, 2024.
Organ Audition Requirements for Returning Applicant
1) Two contrasting prepared pieces of the applicants choice, performed on the organ.
2) A hymn of applicant’s choice, performed on the organ.
3) Sight read a hymn chosen by the judges, performed on the organ.
4) At audition, applicants must provide an original copy of required selections for the judges with measure numbers marked.
5) A recommendation from a current teacher is required for all applicants.
Please instruct your teacher to submit their recommendation by April 15, 2024.
Questions?
Albert Lea Civic Music Scholarship Committee
Revised January 2024