The Albert Lea Civic Music announces the Helen W. Wipplinger Organ and Piano Lesson Scholarship. This scholarship opportunity is made possible by the generosity of the late Helen W. Wipplinger, an accomplished musician and music lover, to promote and encourage the education and training of future church pianists and organists.

Scholarships are available to any student in the United South Central and Albert Lea school districts and any adult in Freeborn County.

Students must show an intention and promise to play the organ or piano for worship services in any church in Freeborn County, or St. Paul&8217;s United Congregational Church of Christ in Minnesota Lake Township, Faribault County.

Scholarship is for one year of private lessons (30 lessons) on either the piano or organ from a qualified private teacher of the student&8217;s choice.

There is no predetermined number of scholarships.

Scholarships will be given out to those who fulfill the obligations of the scholarship and demonstrate ability and promise at the audition. Because of

Wipplinger&8217;s interest in preparing musicians as organists for churches, organ scholarships will be given priority.

Scholarships may be renewed upon yearly audition. Auditions will be performed before two keyboard judges.

Requirements include Bach&8217;s &8220;Minuet in G&8221; or Beethoven&8217;s &8220;Fur Elise,&8221; another prepared piece of the applicant&8217;s choice, the hymn &8220;Amazing Grace&8221; in any key, and a hymn to be sightread chosen by the judges.

Applicants may play all on the piano or can play the hymns and prepared piece on the organ.

All applicants will be presented in an informal celebratory recital for the Civic Music Board at the June meeting following the year of lessons. The audition deadline is May 5 and the audition day is May 23. Brochures have been sent to all churches and USC and Albert Lea school districts.

For more information and a brochure, contact Eileen Nelson Ness at 377-2075.