Broaden your horizons at Harmony University
Better Barbershoppers make a better barbershop world! Thanks to generous donors, singers at all levels of experience can grow and expand the reach of the premier barbershop educational experience.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
For Harmony University 2024, the Barbershop Harmony Society has awarded $33,600 in scholarships to 42 students.
Expanding the range of HU students
Earl Moon Scholarship
The Earl Moon Scholarship is for BHS members who are first-time HU attendees and strong contributors to the local chapter experience.
Awarded to:
- Jonah Sho Levinson
Grand Central Red Caps Scholarship
These four (4) scholarships are intended to encourage the broadest possible participation from four individuals to join us for a week of instruction at Harmony University. We hope to assist promising barbershop singers of color, music educators of color, and/or directors of color. You can learn more about the scholarship and the Grand Central Red Caps here.
Awarded to:
- Leslie Gomez-Meyer
- Anthony Barnette
- Chania Malcum
- Marcus Cash
Next Generation Scholarship
A half scholarship based on financial need for singers between the ages of 18 and 25 to participate in the Next Generation Chorus.
Awarded to:
- Alexander Kaminer
- Anne Sevigny
- Casey Allen
- Dylan Suen
- Emily Palmer
- Jakob Kennicutt
- James Kirkham
- Lucas Hilderman
- Max Vann
- Meghan McClafferty
- Millia Shiffman
- Olivia Carlson
- Sarah Patterson
- Sean Willemann
Peggy Leon Women In Barbershop Scholarship
The Peggy Leon Scholarship is for women from any barbershop organization who is in a music leadership role (directors, assistant directors, chorus leaders, etc.).
Awarded to:
- Dawn Haggerty
Rich Knight “LEAD the Way” Scholarship
This scholarship is for a BHS-registered quartet LEAD singer who wishes to improve their skills. Preference will be given to a lead attending with his or her quartet, but this is not a requirement.
Awarded to:
- Austin Stephens
Robert & Judy Brown Scholarship
This scholarship is based on financial need for a person who would be unlikely to ever afford attending Harmony University. The Bob and Judy Brown Scholarship was formed to honor the Barbershop singing careers of Bill Park, Dick Crockett, “Bo” Allen, Lloyd Erickson, Conrad “Connie” Keil, and Ken Pacetti.
Awarded to:
- Lauren Kilgore
- Kobe DeChurch
Growing Directors & Educators
Jim Miller Front-Line Director Scholarship
This scholarship is provided for individuals who would like to improve in the areas of technique, musicality, and stage presence while always keeping in mind how their actions affect the preservation of the barbershop style.
Awarded to:
- Kaleb Smith
Front Line Director Scholarships
A half scholarship for front line Barbershop Harmony Society (U.S. and Canadian Chapter) directors, especially first time attendees.
Awarded to:
- Barbara Jones
- Carolyne Kenney Oehlerking
- Cole Carey
- Jake Bavarsky
- Jessie Palmer
- John T Durham
- Michael Giddens
- Zach Rolfs
Music Educator Scholarships
A half scholarship for music educators currently in working in public or private vocal music education, with priority to first time attendees.
Awarded to:
- Dr. Kim Watters
- Haley Burton
- Jessica Short
- Nate Lueders
- Nick Uhlig
- Thalia Burd
Encouraging quartets & Arrangers
Larry Ajer Scholarship
This scholarship is for a Barbershop Harmony Society registered Quartet that has been together for at least two years, that is on the "cusp" of making it to a BHS international competition, scoring in the 70's.
Lou Perry Scholarship
Arrangers receive a scholarship by creating the best original barbershop arrangement at Harmony University. Applications from talented people of any age who may not yet be accomplished arrangers but who show good musical skills and future potential are encouraged to apply. Entries consist of three elements: Your arrangement, a copy of the sheet music, and a letter discussing your musical background, arranging experience, performance of your arrangements, and any other relevant information about your barbershop involvement.
Awarded to:
- Brian De Stefano
- Rowena Harper
Scholarships make growth possible
All Harmony University scholarships include:
- Food - full cafeteria meal plan
- Housing: double occupancy. (Optional: you may buy out the other bed to have a singe occupancy.)
- Access to educational materials
- Access to our Friday and Saturday night shows
- Shuttle to and from the airport
- Please note: travel to Denver is not included.
- All scholarship availability is subject to change.
Testimonials
“I felt like there was a very good connection between teachers and students, since they were not really different people. They were barbershoppers. Just like us. What you've made here is amazing, and I thank you for giving me the scholarship to come!”
“Next Gen was such a wonderful breath of fresh air to help realign my life together. I see the world in a new perspective, and it's so exciting! Thank you, HU!”
“I will forever be a champion for ALL music educators to come to HU and experience what I consider one of the best experiences of my entire life. You made a person, who knew virtually nothing about Barbershop, feel welcomed, encouraged, SAFE and understood. You made us teachers feel valued in a way that we don't always feel in our normal settings. You gave us the freedom to choose our paths at HU and also not feel guilty about sleeping in a little bit if we were just a little overwhelmed from taking it all in. I've come back to school refreshed, energized and incredibly excited to share everything I've learned with my students. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and for everything you are doing for Music Educators!”
“Projects like Harmony University exemplify the creativity and care with which communities are telling their stories, creating connection, and responding to challenges and opportunities in their communities—all through the arts,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “So many aspects of our communities such as cultural vitality, health and wellbeing, infrastructure, and the economy are advanced and improved through investments in art and design, and the National Endowment for the Arts is committed to ensuring people across the country benefit.”
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
Help Provide Scholarships to HU
If you are looking to fund additional scholarships for music educators, directors, and BHS leaders to attend Harmony University, please donate directly to the program. Thank you for your generosity and supporting the programs that make an impact in barbershop!