The C. James Velie Memorial Scholarship was founded to honor and memorialize a man who made a vital contribution to the cause of Music Education in Maryland. After having taught music in Baltimore County, Mr. Velie became the first music supervisor in the Baltimore County School System in 1937. Through this scholarship we wish to continue his influence as a meaningful force in Music Education today.
Guidelines for the Selection of the Candidates for the C. James Velie Memorial Scholarship
Students shall be full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors enrolled as a Music Education Major in the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
Students shall complete a formal application and submit the application to the chairperson of the C. James Velie Scholarship Committee.
Students shall have a minimum of 3.0 grade point average.
Students shall obtain recommendations from two faculty persons in the area of music.
Students shall audition before the C. James Velie Scholarship Committee and participate in a brief interview.
Selection of winners will be based on faculty recommendations, need, musical performance, grade point average, and commitment to and potential for success in the field of Music Education. Candidates will be notified of the audition date. Selection is made regardless of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and condition of handicap.
INTRODUCTION: In the Spring of 2005, the Ben O'Brien Music Education Scholarship was established and funded by Music and Arts. This scholarship, designed to help further the education of an outstanding future music educator, is in honor of the memory of Mr. Ben O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien was a strong believer in the importance of public music education. Consequently he dedicated his life to providing resources, materials, and instruction aimed at supporting the efforts of music teachers, students and schools. In helping accomplish this, he founded and was the president of the largest chain of retail music stores in the Mid-Atlantic region, Music and Arts Center.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be a full-time junior or senior student at Towson majoring in music education.
2. Must have an overall 3.0 GPA.
3. Must be enrolled in or have completed MUSC 327 Choral Conducting or MUSC 329 Instrumental Conducting.
APPLICATION PROCESS: A completed application (see accompanying) includes:
1. GENERAL INFORMATION about the applicant.
2. NARRATIVE INFORMATION listing teaching experiences, contributions to music education while at Towson University and activities and accomplishments in the Music Department.
3. PROFESSIONAL GOAL statement of 500 words or less addressing the importance of achieving your goal of becoming a professional music educator.
4. TWO (2) RECOMMENDATION LETTERS supporting the applicant as being an outstanding future music educator. A minimum of one (1) letter must be from a current Towson University faculty member.
DEADLINE: Applications must be received by Dr. Alicia Mueller, no later than noon, Monday,
February 25, 2013.
PROCEDURES: Music Education Division faculty and member(s) of the Scholarship
Committee will:
1. Review all applications.
2. Interview selected applicants as appropriate.
3. Identify the Ben O'Brien Music Education Scholarship recipient(s).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Dr. Alicia Mueller, aamueller@towson.edu, Music Education Division Leader.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
