Stratford Band & Color Guard
2025 Senior Scholarships

The Stratford Band Boosters is inviting members of the Stratford Band and Color Guard senior class to apply for post-secondary scholarships. The Stratford Band Boosters are honored to offer limited scholarships through a competitive application process for the Class of 2025.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

  1. You must have participated in Band or Guard for a minimum of 3 years.

  2. You must currently be enrolled in Band or Guard at Stratford, and must be in good standing.

  3. You must be a graduating senior who will be pursuing post-secondary education (four-year, junior or community college, technical or trade school).

  4. As a selected award recipient, you must show proof of post-secondary enrollment by submitting a paid fee statement to receive reimbursement once you are enrolled.

APPLICATION AND ESSAY

  1. Complete the online application in full.

  2. Write an essay in less than 1,000 words that answers the following questions. What has Stratford Band and Guard meant to you? What have you gained from your experience with Stratford Band and Guard? How has the Band and Guard program(s) benefited because of your involvement?

  3. Submit online application and essay by Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

EVALUATION AND RUBRIC

Scholarship applications and essays will be evaluated by the Scholarship Committee. Each year the committee includes 5-10 parent volunteers led by a committee chair. The Committee strives to include parent volunteers representing students from band, color guard, as well as different middle schools and different instruments.

Applications are scored using a rubric including the following metrics. The Committee members receive applications and essays with names and personal information removed.

Band:

  • Number of years of participation in Region Band Auditions

  • Number of years of participation in District UIL Solo & Ensemble

  • Extra recognition if advanced to State UIL Solo & Ensemble or All Region Band

  • Years in a band leadership role(s), e.g., officer, section leader, etc.

  • Participation in other Stratford performing groups, e.g., jazz band, orchestra, playhouse orchestra

  • Volunteer for Band or Band Booster events

  • Continued music interest after high school

  • Essay on benefits and contribution to band

Color Guard:

  • Number of years of participation in Winter Guard and Fall Color Guard

  • Number of years receiving recognition and/or advances in Winter Guard

  • Years in a Guard leadership role

  • Participation or leadership role in other Stratford clubs and related activities

  • Volunteer for Color Guard or Band Booster events

  • Continued dance or color guard interest after high school

  • Essay on benefits and contribution to the guard program(s)

In addition to the metrics above, input is obtained from band and/or color guard director(s). If necessary, the committee may also seek input from other band or color guard members.

AWARDS

Scholarship winners will be announced at the Spring Band Concert. Award winners will receive a letter requesting information for scholarship disbursement (copy of university acceptance letter, copy of paid tuition receipt and student ID number). The funds will be sent directly to the student as reimbursement for tuition.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about the scholarship, please email:

Scholarship committee chair, Tien San Lucas: seniorscholarships@stratfordband.com

Band Booster president, Craig Parks: president@stratfordband.com