African American High School Student
Classical Vocal Competition
The bridge to success
After the example of its namesake, the great American bass-baritone, educator and mentor, the William Warfield Scholarship Fund enables African American classical vocalists to advance their art at the high school, college or conservatory level. African Americans have long been under-represented in the field of classical music, especially in the field of classical vocal performance. The William Warfield Scholarship Fund classical vocal competition strives to addresses this.
The 6th annual William Warfield Scholarship Fund Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students will be held via Zoom on November 2, 2024.
The first round of electronic audition submissions are due no later than October 4, 2024. There is no cost to apply.
From all submissions, five finalists will be selected to receive coaching in a virtual class with a professional vocalist on Saturday, October 20th, and submit a video for final judging by Friday, October 25th.
All finalists will win cash awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 for the advancement of their vocal studies.
After the example of its namesake, the great American bass-baritone, educator and mentor, the William Warfield Scholarship Fund enables African American classical vocalists to advance their art at the high school, college or conservatory level. African Americans have long been under-represented in the field of classical music. The William Warfield Scholarship Fund classical vocal competition strives to addresses this disparity
Bridge Support. This initiative represents a bridge between African American youths’ early musical training to their acceptance into a school of music. It provides students with monetary support for formal training, audition preparation, music and supplies, as well as connections and essential guidance from highly experienced artists and teachers of voice. In the process of competing, young artists will gain exposure to music school recruitment and diversity officers.
The pursuit of classical vocal performance requires not only natural gifts, but ample resources of connections and funding that make high level training, exposure and opportunity possible.
Our awards will be made directly to the young artist to subsidize lessons, collaborative pianists, facilities, supplies, and/or travel to auditions.
Please help us share this opportunity. If you are connected to youth serving organizations, choirs, schools etc. please make your students and colleagues aware of this opportunity! Post our flier, share this letter and help us encourage a new and wonderful class of talented African American vocalists.
Procedure
The first round of electronic audition submissions are due no later than October 4, 2024. There is no cost to apply. Include one letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor describing musical aptitude and potential. No late entries will be considered.
All applicants must submit a link to a video recording of their audition.
Applicants may choose to submit one or two selections, as long as the total length of the audition is no more than 5 minutes in length. If needed, sections of a longer piece may be used and instrumental pre/postludes may be shortened or eliminated. The video should be unedited except for duration.
See these Tips for Success.
Awards
The William Warfield Award ($2000), honoring the Rochester artist of international stature.
Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield Award ($1500), honoring the 19thC African American, Buffalo artist of international stature.
The Theodore Drury Encouragement Award, ($1,000). In honor of the American baritone and opera producer (ca. 1860 – 1945), a pioneer in African American opera performance.
Finalist Award ($500)
Finalist Award ($500)
Adjudicators
Kearstin Piper Brown
International performing artist
Frederick Redd
International performing artist
Paulette Gissendanner
Emeritus Professor of Voice, California State University, Monterey Bay