Phoenix Band Scholarship

The Phoenix Band Scholarship is a selective merit-based program for academically and musically strong students who have a passion and demonstrated interest in instrumental music. If selected for the Phoenix Band Scholarship, you will immediately join a group of skilled musicians who are dedicated to continuing their studies in music, thereby becoming immersed in Elon’s culture and serving the community by performing in various instrumental ensembles. This program is designed to foster a life-long passion for music by exposing you to many musical experiences.

During the four-year program, you will:

  • Perform with the Phoenix Winds Wind Ensemble each semester
  • Perform with the Fire of the Carolinas Marching Band each fall semester

The Phoenix Band Scholarship program is rooted in the liberal arts program because it is designed for those students with the specific wish to create well-rounded musical experiences in their college education.  This program gives students the opportunity to be involved in the band program while still balancing the needs and commitments of other degree programs around campus.

Student Experience

Phoenix Band Scholarship awardees will:

  • Enroll in MUS 1010B: Wind Ensemble (fall and spring semesters)
  • Enroll in MUS 1020A: Marching Band (fall semester)
  • Explore a variety of music in each ensemble
  • Perform 1-2 concerts each semester with the wind ensemble
  • Perform at all home football games

Who Should Apply?

Students with experience performing wind (woodwind or brasswind) or percussion instruments at a high school level and who have a 3.6 GPA or higher are competitive candidates for the program. Twenty (20) Phoenix Band Scholars are selected in each first-year class.

Scholarship

The Phoenix Band Scholarship awardees will receive a $6,000 scholarship that is renewable annually for up to four years.

Application Process

Students should complete all requirements necessary to be considered for other scholar programs (writing samples, transcripts, etc.)

In Addition

Phoenix Band Scholarship awardees who play woodwind or brass instruments will:

  • Submit/Upload an unlisted YouTube link to an unedited video recording in which they introduce themselves and perform:
    • Any five chromatically adjacent major scales (e.g., C, D-flat, D, E-flat, and E) in any rhythm and range you choose. Greater range and speed will improve your score if performed well. Arpeggios are not necessary.
    • A Chromatic scale through the full practical range of your instrument.
    • A solo/etude (approximately 3-5 minutes in length) that has contrasting sections (lyrical and technical) to demonstrate their musical ability.

Phoenix Band Scholarship awardees who play percussion instruments will:

Submit/Upload an unlisted YouTube link to an unedited video recording in which they introduce themselves and perform both mallet instruments and snare drum. The audition selections you perform may be from the solo repertoire for the various instruments or from etude books. Your audition should reflect your true ability on each instrument, so you should select music that reflects the most mature music you feel capable of performing well. If you do not have the background to perform in both areas, you are welcome to audition on one or the other of the above instruments. You may also audition on drum set if you have experience in that area as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend any audition etudes?

We don’t have any specific recommendations, but All-State Band etudes are good examples. Also consider etudes from any method book you use. Your technical etude should show us how you perform technically demanding music. The lyrical etude should exhibit your tone and musicality in slower passages. However, you should also strive for outstanding tone and musicality in your technical etude and accuracy in your lyrical etude. The bottom line is to select etudes that show us what you can do rather than what you can’t do.

What are you listening for in the audition?

We are looking for strong contributors to the Elon Band program. We are interested in finding exceptional musicians who exhibit thorough preparation by performing:

  • with confidence and a clear characteristic tone throughout the range of their instrument
  • with accuracy of pitch (intonation), rhythm, and tempo
  • with a wide dynamic range informed by printed instructions and personal musical judgment
  • with an educated and conscientious approach to musical style
  • with attention to detail of every aspect of musical performance
  • on an instrument that has been well maintained and is in good working order
  • with accuracy and musicality.

Request Information

Are you interested in joining or you have questions about our bands here at Elon? Start by filling out our interest form. This will add you to our interested lists and allow us to answer any questions you have, and provide you with any information you need to join any of our bands! You can also email Dr. Poquette, Director of Bands.