We are a 501c3 created in 2001 to support LFHS music programs. We raise money through membership, the December Spaghetti dinner fundraiser, and yard sign sales.
Thanks to our generous donors, Applause was able to make several grants to the LFHS music department during the 2020/21 COVID school year.
Grants Awarded 2020-2021
All of our grants awarded this year supported the entire LFHS music program.
Spaghetti Dinner Virtual Music Production – $1895 (58% share with the HS)
Virtual Concert “Spring Ahead with Music” – $1813.50 (50% share with the HS)
Spring Concert on the Green – $5000
Ravinia-style concert on the LFHS front lawn.
Honors Competition – $1475
Applause sponsored the 33rd Annual Honors Competition in February. Sponsorship includes paying 3 judges and providing prize money for the winners.
Spring Europe Trip – spring trip was canceled due to Covid
Award for Excellence in Music – $4000
Given to recognize outstanding musical accomplishments to senior music students. Awards of $1000 each are available in these categories: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Other (examples are Composition, Conducting, Music Theory, or a tie in one category). Winners are announced at the LFHS Honors Night in May.
Lesson Scholarships -$400 (2 students)
Need-based scholarships are available to students in the LFHS music program. The scholarship covers ½ of each lesson fee up to $200/semester.
Instrument Switcher Scholarships – $120 (1 student)
Private, in-school music lesson scholarships are available to students who have been approached by a music director to switch musical instruments.
Summer Music Camps and Programs Scholarships -$0
These grants are intended to encourage and support LFHS music student participation in organized summer music camps and programs. Applause will provide up to $250 per student. We had no applications this year.
Grants Awarded 2019-2020
STAR WARS MUSIC for the Spring Concert
For the first time we are aware of the Band, Orchestra and Choir will perform together the classic music of Star Wars. Applause is thrilled to support this wonderful collaboration by renting the music. This grant was canceled due to Covid-19.
Jazz Clinic with the Lara Driscoll Quartet
In January, the well-known Chicago-based Lara Driscoll Quartet performed and then had a working session with our Jazz Band. It was very well received by the students and helped prepare them for the February Jazz Festival performance and the spring Women in Jazz Conference
Movie and Pizza Night
In December, Applause sponsored a fun and relaxing pizza/movie night for LFHS Band and Orchestra students at the RMA auditorium.
Video Recorder Purchase
At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Applause purchased a video recorder, tripod stand, case, and SD card for all music departments to use. It has been put to use recording the Honors Recital and other performances and rehearsals. The students use the videos for post-performance reflection.
STANDING GRANTS
In addition to the one time Grants, Applause also has several standing Grants that occur every year.
Honors Competition
Applause sponsored the 33rd Annual Honors Competition Sunday, February 23, 2020. Applause sponsorship includes paying 3 judges and providing prize money for the winners. We are proud of all who participated. 25 musicians made it to the final round. We congratulate the following 2019-2020 winners:
1st place – Eva Sharman
2nd place – Priya Krishnaswamy
1st place – Grace Mockus
2nd place- Jane Mockus
1st place – Mark Smirnoff
2nd place – Isaac Poulton
Winner – Emma Bradley
Winner – Alexander Panos
1st Place – Katie Finnegan
2nd Place – Lucia Marquez
Spring Europe Trip – Spring Trip was cancelled due to Covid-19
STUDENT RECOGNITION GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for Excellence in Music
Given to recognize outstanding musical accomplishments to senior music students. Awards of $1000 each are available in these categories: Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Other (examples are Composition, Conducting, Music Theory or a tie in one category). Winners are announced at the LFHS Honors Night in May.
2020 Scholarship recipients:
Applause Scholarship For Excellence in Music (Band) – Mark Smirnov
Applause Scholarship For Excellence in Music (Orchestra) there are (2) in this category this year – Jane Mockus and Grace Mockus
Applause Scholarship For Excellence in Music (Chorus) – Priya Krishnaswamy
Need-based scholarships are available to students in the LFHS music program. The scholarship covers ½ of each lesson fee up to $150/semester
Private, in-school music lesson scholarships are available to students who have been approached by a music director to switch musical instruments and need help covering costs.
These grants are intended to encourage and support LFHS music student participation in organized summer music camps and programs. Applause will provide up to $250 per student.