The NWS Memorial Scholarship was created in the spring of 2007 to honor past playing members.
Purpose of the Scholarship
To encourage continued performance in a college/university instrumental ensemble by providing financial assistance to college students who play wind or percussion instruments, have prior experience in a band program, and plan to continue their involvement in an instrumental ensemble during and after college.
Scholarship Details
Award Amount: $1,500 and $1,000
Term: The scholarship award is for one academic year and must be used to further the recipient’s post high-school education at a recognized Nebraska institution.
Award Date: An official, public announcement of the scholarship award will be at an NWS Concert. A performance of the selection by the winner of the top award may also be possible.
Award Payment: The scholarship award will be paid in August, on behalf of the recipient, directly to a 501(c)(3) institution/organization (college, university, etc). The recipient is responsible for notifying NWS of his/her school and student identifier.
Eligibility
– Resident of Nebraska or Iowa
– College-bound high school student, college undergraduate, or graduate student
– Plays a wind or percussion instrument
– Enrolled as a full-time student in a Nebraska higher education institution for the upcoming academic year
– Must participate in a college instrumental music ensemble (concert, marching, or jazz).
– Any major/field of study is acceptable
– Not already a recipient of the NWS Memorial Scholarship
When possible, we provide an opportunity for scholarship winners to perform with the Nebraska Wind Symphony. For this reason, audition selections should have an instrumental accompaniment that can be purchased or rented. We suggest you select from the following repertoire, if possible, as these are known works that we have access to band arrangements.
Suggested Repertoire List
Scholarship Application Process
Prepare your audition piece with accompaniment and create an audio recording.
Complete the Scholarship Application: PDF WORD(docx)
Submit the application and recording using the Scholarship Application Submission Form
Note that this form requires upload of your completed application and recorded audition selection. Please have these files available when completing the form.
NOTE: A Google account is required to submit the form and upload the related files.
Important Dates
Application received by: April 30, 2026
Selection Date: mid to late-May 2026
Concert Date: To be determined in consultation with NWS Music Director
Rehearsals with NWS Concert Band: To be scheduled with NWS Music Director.
NOTE that NWS rehearses on Monday nights, from 7:15PM and 9:00PM
Dress Rehearsal: To be determined in consultation with NWS Music Director, typically the day or week before the concert.
Read about prior recipients of the NWS Memorial Scholarship.