MERIT Extended Applications Accepted
For Immediate Release August 10, 2009
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West is currently accepting applications for its popular MERIT Extended Program, which operates annually from September through May. Application materials can be downloaded from the Academy website (www.musicacademy.org/assets/files/Merit_Application.pdf; www.musicacademy.org/assets/files/MERIT_Reference_form.pdf) or requested via phone (695-7911) or email (). Auditions, which are required, will take place at the Music Academy on September 12, beginning at 4 pm. The deadline to apply is September 1.
Inaugurated in 1998, MERIT (Music Education Reinforces Intellect and Talent) Extended provides promising local musicians ages 11 to 18 with an opportunity to expand their chamber music education. Participants are assigned to a chamber ensemble, receive coaching twice a month, and take part in masterclasses and performances at the Music Academy throughout the school year. Directed by Linda Holland and supported by the Henry E. and Lola Monroe Foundation, the Cheeryble Foundation, and United Way of Santa Barbara County, the program operates as an intensive two-week immersion in the Music Academy's annual Summer School and Festival, including mentoring from Academy Fellows. This version of the program, known simply as MERIT, requires a separate application process.
For more information, contact Ms. Holland at 687-6875.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy began broadcasting live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall in October 2008. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
