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Fairmont State University

04/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/24/2024 08:05

Fairmont State Looks to Boost the Performing Arts through Marching Band Housing Scholarship

Incoming freshmen who have been selected to join Fairmont State's marching band are now eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship for housing.

The housing scholarship is for freshmen who have been chosen to join the marching band and will be disbursed for residency at Morrow Hall on Fairmont State's campus. Students who remain as band members and continue to live at Morrow Hall will also be eligible for 10 percent off housing costs for subsequent semesters.

"We are looking for talented and musically inclined students who are committed to making music on the highest level and supporting music and the arts in our area," said Fairmont State's Director of Bands Alyssa Schwartz.

Being part of Fairmont State's marching band gives students valuable experiences that go beyond music. Band members develop important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. In addition, new band members receive encouragement and support from experienced band members, and they quickly learn about Fairmont State's fun traditions.

"The Falcon Marching Band is a family," said Johnathan Richards, choreographer and director of the Fairmont State Academy Winter Guard. "Being able to share the experience of music making with those who care just as much as you do, and being able to perform a show that rouses the crowds at football games makes it all worth it."

Residency is limited, so interested students will want to apply quickly. Housing assignments for the Fall 2024 semester are already in full swing.

"Given our high demand for on-campus housing, band students must identify themselves with the housing office when they fill out the housing application to ensure they receive the appropriate assignment," Interim Vice President of Student Success Alicia Kalka said. "Band members have the option to decide which residence hall works for their needs, but to qualify for the scholarship, they must reside in Morrow Hall."

Incoming freshmen band members who have been assigned to a different residence may request a change to Morrow Hall to receive the housing scholarship.

"This scholarship is available for the first semester of their freshman year," Kalka explained. "Each subsequent semester they reside in Morrow Hall they can receive up to 10 percent off their housing costs. Any new band student may select to change their housing assignment."

Students in the marching band or color guard in the fall - and wind ensemble in the spring - also receive a $150 scholarship for their participation.

"We have a number of additional audition-based scholarships for members of the marching band or color guard every fall," Schwartz said.

Band members perform at every home football game, and they have full access to instruments or guard equipment.

"The marching band is the largest performing ensemble at Fairmont State and one of the largest student groups on campus," Schwartz said, adding, "so students in the band have a huge built-in support network."

There's no shortage of accolades for the group. Fairmont State's wind ensemble was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center last year after winning a virtual competition open to bands in the same division.

"We won first prize in our division in the Buckwheat Festival this past fall," Schwartz said. "We also have more invitations out of state and abroad for tours and performances, and we're working on making those a reality."

While all students are encouraged to audition for a place with the band, Schwartz noted that they are in particular need of baritone and tuba players, and drum line /percussionists.

"Students in our band are optimistic and intelligent, and they are willing to work together to create something great," Schwartz said. "They are genuinely good people, and they are the reason I love my job here."

Scholarship Requirements