Jon Borowicz Memorial Music Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Vermont Philharmonic

THE JON BOROWICZ MEMORIAL STUDENT MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

The Jon Borowicz Memorial Student Music Scholarship Contest is an annual event that pays tribute to the founder of the Vermont Philharmonic. It offers a scholarship grant and a unique chance to perform as a soloist with the orchestra.

The Jon Borowicz Memorial Scholarship provides a platform for gifted high school students to showcase their talent with the Vermont Philharmonic, a symphony orchestra, and also win a $500 prize. The performance is a part of the Philharmonic’s winter concert and usually involves a single movement of a concerto or another significant piece. This experience can be a crucial stepping stone in the pursuit of a music career. The selection process involves an audition at the Barre Opera House in November.

COMPETITION SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. The applicant should be a high school student residing in Vermont or nearby areas. The student should be involved in music activities in Vermont or neighboring towns and should not be a previous winner of this competition.
2. The applicant is required to audition for the judges at the Barre Opera House on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at a specified time.
3. The applicant should prepare three pieces, with at least one being a movement of a concerto or orchestral work with a soloist, suitable for performance with a symphony orchestra. The applicant will be asked to perform at least two of the pieces, one chosen by the applicant and one or more by the judges. At least one piece should be performed from memory. If the audition includes a prepared concerto, two of its movements can be used for the three-piece requirement. Applicants are advised to consult the Music Director regarding their audition pieces.
4. The applicant should provide an accompanist and three copies of the pieces to be performed for the judges.
5. To be eligible for the $500 prize, the winner must perform as a soloist with the Vermont Philharmonic at their winter concerts on February 21 & 22, 2026. The prize money should be used to advance the winner's music education.
6. The judges have the discretion to award the full scholarship, only the cash prize without the performance opportunity, or no award at all if they believe there is no sufficiently qualified candidate. The judges' decision is final. The Vermont Philharmonic has the right to cancel the competition if there are not enough applicants to hold a competitive audition and not award the scholarship that year.
7. Late applications may not be considered for an audition.
8. For any queries, contact Marta Cambra at 802-229-9218 or 802-233-5919.
9. Applications should be submitted no later than November 6, 2025, to Marta Cambra (cambra1388@yahoo.com) or mailed to 1388 Crosstown Road, Berlin, VT 05602.