Grants
Applause funds are to be used to enhance and enrich the musical education of LFHS students participating in curricular and extracurricular music programs. Applause funds should not be used to supplant the monies District 115 has a responsibility to provide to fund the Music Department's budget. Grants are to be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Grants and Development (Applause Board) and then may be voted on at the next general board meeting. Grant motions must be approved by a majority of the voting members present at the meeting.
2019-2020 School Year Grant Summary
One Time Grants
Band, Orchestra and Choir
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 cancelled due to Covid-19.
Jazz Band
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
Band and Orchestra
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.
All Music Departments
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 us 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:
Piano Division
1st place - Eva Sharman
2nd place - Priya Krishnaswamy
String Division
1st place - Grace Mockus
2nd place- Jane Mockus
Brass Division
1st place - Mark Smirnoff
2nd place - Isaac Poulton
Woodwind Division
Winner - Emma Bradley
Junior Voice
Winner - Alexander Panos
Senior Voice
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
Lesson Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are available to students in the LFHS music program. The scholarship covers ½ of each lesson fee up to $150/semester
Instrument Switcher Scholarships
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.
Grants for Summer Music Camps and Programs
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.