Scholarships | Yuma Music Educators Association

Yuma Music Educators Association Scholarships

Each year, the Yuma Music Educators Association (YCMEA) proudly offers several scholarships for students wishing to attend summer music camps. Below are the scholarships available:

Ernest Ortega Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at the Curry Music Camp at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and is specifically available for middle school band students.
General YCMEA Scholarships: Based on funds raised throughout the year, YCMEA can provide partial scholarships to a summer camp of the student's choice. Vocalists and instrumentalists in grades 6-11 are encouraged to apply.
John Dallabetta Scholarship: Offered by the Yuma County Arts Alliance, this scholarship is a full scholarship for a high school band student attending the Curry Music Camp. The YCMEA scholarship committee is involved in the selection process for this scholarship.

Students in grades 6-11 who are interested in these general scholarships may apply. To be eligible, applicants must also be enrolled in a music program in Yuma County for the 2025-26 academic year. Please note that last year’s scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply this year. Note: NAU’s Curry Music Camp is only open to students currently in grades 8+. If younger students win a scholarship, that money may be applied to a different camp of their choice or may be applied towards private lessons.

Process for applicants for any of the scholarships:

1. Prior to January 31, 2025, Complete the Scholarship Application located here.

2. Prior to January 31, 2025, request a recommendation from your school music teacher. They can do it online here. OR they may email a letter to JRamos2@yuma.org

3. The YCMEA scholarship committee will choose several finalists from the applications and will contact the finalists in February 2025.

4. The finalists will play or sing for an audition which will scheduled for each individual who moves on to this round of the selections. Auditions will be March 15th.

Audition format:

1. Instrumentalists and vocalists must perform an accompanied solo in a classical style. (Each participant is required to provide his/her own accompanist.)

2. Instrumentalists will be asked to play major scales up to four sharps

and flats and a chromatic scale for middle school students and all major scales and chromatic for high school students. These should be performed over the full range of the student's ability.

3. Instrumentalists and vocalists will be required to sight-read music

provided by the committee.

4. Scholarship applicants will complete a short interview with the scholarship committee at this time.

5. Scholarship winners will be notified in April 2025. Funds will be sent directly to the camp or private instructor (if lessons are awarded).

Applicants are encouraged to participate in Solo and Ensemble in order to get feedback on their solo prior to the scholarship audition.