The Damuth Music Scholarship is a $2,000 per year scholarship awarded to incoming 9^th grade students. The Damuth Scholarship is awarded to the highest-quality students who have applied to Northwest Catholic High School and participate in its music program. Those who receive the scholarship have shown outstanding dedication to music in addition to academic success.

Students will need to submit the following:

1. A written personal statement by the student (500 words or fewer) explaining why he or she wants to participate in music at Northwest Catholic, how music has affected his or her life, and what he or she would like to get out of his or her time in music in high school. This will be written in the application section.

2. A letter of recommendation from the student's current middle school band, orchestra, or chorus director. The letter can be submitted via the application below or mailed directly from the music teacher to:

Northwest Catholic High School

attn: Gillian Ritter

29 Wampanoag Drive

West Hartford, CT 06117

3. In lieu of a live audition, this year all auditions will be video auditions. Please email gritter@nwcath.org and cfusco@nwcath.org a copy of your audition video, or a link to view your video. If the video is password protected, please be sure to include that in your email. The video is due by January 31, and should consist of two contrasting pieces. 

Scholarship Recipient Requirements

1.The student must have a successful audition, is a freshman, that demonstrates a high level of musicianship, and maintains it throughout their high school career.

2.The student must show significant progress on their instrument(s)/voice throughout each school year, and shall attend rehearsals and all performances as well as conduct himself/herself with professionalism.

3.The student must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument/voice, in addition to possessing a genuine interest in the study of music.

4.The student must prepare and audition for the CMEA Northern Regionals festival, and will be open to continuing through All-State and Nationals if they are granted the option to audition.

5.The student must maintain an “A” average in all music classes.

6.The student shall maintain a minimum of 3.0 general grade point average.

7.The student must take at least 1 performing arts class each year. Some classes conflict with these courses, but in order to retain the scholarship, the student must make class attendance a priority and decide to take the performing arts class over the conflicting class.

8.The AP Music Theory class must be taken at some point in the student’s high school career, as a sophomore, junior, or senior.

9.Participation in private lessons must be documented to demonstrate the growth of the student’s musicianship and personal growth.

10.Recipient agrees to perform faithfully and industriously, using their best efforts and talents to perform all the duties that may be required by the express and implied terms of this Agreement, to the satisfaction of the Music Department of Northwest Catholic High School.

11.The Recipient agrees to abide by all rules, regulations, and guidelines of Northwest Catholic Student Handbook and to provide a cooperative and supportive attitude toward Northwest Catholic music.

The following instruments are eligible for the Damuth Music Scholarship:

• Voice
• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass
• Piccolo
• Flute
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Clarinet
• Bass Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Tenor Saxophone
• Baritone Saxophone
• Trumpet
• French Horn
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Jazz Piano
• Jazz Guitar
• Percussion
• Harp

In the space below, please explain in 500 words or fewer why you want to participate in music at Northwest Catholic, how music has affected your life, and what you would like to get out of your experience in music in high school.

If you would prefer to type it out in Word, you may do so and upload it to the application.