Outreach
High School Students
BAC MaryEllen Oliver High School Vocal Music Performance Scholarship
Keven Alvarenga
BAYS Brenda Varvoutis Vocal Music Education Scholarship
Noah Grant
BAC Ralph and Richard Parr High School Vocal Music Excellence Scholarship
Gabriel Emig
As part of their mission and goals, the Bay Area Chorus and Bay Area Youth Singers sponsor scholarships for high school seniors from selected districts in the Greater Houston Area who plan to major in vocal music in an accredited university or college, each scholarship is worth $1500.
The Bay Area Chorus MaryEllen Oliver Vocal Performance Scholarship is underwritten by Dr. David Nickeson in memory of his first wife, MaryEllen Oliver. CLICK HERE to apply.
In addition, BAC joined with the Bay Area Youth Singers(BAYS) to offer The Bay Area Youth Singers Brenda Varvoutis Vocal Music Education Scholarship, which was established to honor the late BAYS’ Artistic Director, Brenda Varvoutis. It is funded entirely by donations to BAYS. CLICK HERE to apply.
The Ralph and Richard Parr Vocal Excellence Scholarship is underwritten by Claudia Parr in honor of her late husband Ralph and her son Richard. It will be awarded to an outstanding singer to be chosen from applicants for both the Oliver as well as Varvoutis Scholarships. Thus, there is no separate application for the Parr award.
Applicants can win only one scholarship and should submit only one application.
Applicants for all three scholarships will audition at the annual spring concert/competition called “The Voice.” The 2025 audition is scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 18220 Upper Bay Road Houston, TX. The 2025 application is open now. Deadline for submission is February 14, 2025.
For more information on these scholarships, see individual applications or email info@bayareachorus.org.
Graduate Students
In 2019, the BAC created a new scholarship honoring long-time Bay Area Chorus member and former president Jeanette Chase, to be awarded to a Houston-area student pursuing a masters or doctoral degree in choral conducting or arts leadership with a choral/music focus at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Keith Lathrom, first year doctoral student, is the 2025 recipient of the Chase Scholarship.
Click here for scholarship eligibility and criteria, or contact info@bayareachorus.org.
pullen award for excellence in music education
The Bay Area Chorus created the Milton Pullen Choral Excellence Award in 2023 to recognize the outstanding work of a choral music educator in the Bay Area. Nominees must have taught choral music for a minimum of ten years, and must be currently teaching choir in a school in UIL Regions 17 or 19. Sheryl Munn of Moore Elementary in Pasadena ISD is the 2025 recipient of this award.
In 2026, the Pullen Award will be given to a music teacher who conducts a regularly rehearsing and performing high school choir. The 2027 award will be for an intermediate school choir teacher. Peer nominations for 2026’s award will open in January of 2026, with a March deadline for nominations. The winner will be announced at BAC’s spring concert on May 3, 2026. Find the peer nomination form here. BAC is currently accepting donations to fund this award.
Past winners: 2024 Shannon Duckett - Deer Park Junior High
Chorus Participation for Educators
Bay Area Youth Singers
Music educators who join the Bay Area Chorus will have the opportunity to experience the singer’s perspective, an important benefit for professional development. BAC may reduce or waive dues for active music educators.
Contact us at info@bayareachorus.org or click here for scholarship requirements.