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 (Texas UIL Regions 17 & 19) who plan to major in music at an accredited university or college. Each scholarship is worth $1,500.

The Bay Area Chorus MaryEllen Oliver Vocal Performance Scholarship is underwritten by Dr. David Nickeson in memory of his first wife, MaryEllen Oliver. This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior planning to major in vocal performance.

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. This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior planning to study vocal music education or music therapy at an accredited university or college.

The Ralph and Richard Parr Vocal Excellence Scholarship is underwritten by Claudia Parr in honor of her late husband Ralph and her son Richard. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding singer to be chosen from applicants for both the Oliver and Varvoutis Scholarships, thus there is no separate application for the Parr Scholarship.

Applicants can win only one scholarship and should submit only one application. Applicants for all three scholarships will audition at BAC’s annual concert/competition called “The Voice,” which is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 18220 Upper Bay Road Houston, TX.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship year are now open. Interested students should apply here. Application Deadline: February 6, 2026 at 11PM. For questions, reach out to scholarships@bayareachorus.com