Artistic Exploration Award

Our scholarships are available to students who are:

• A current Iowa Resident

• Currently in 9th – 12th grade (during the 2026-2027 academic year)

• Studying a Woodwind or Brass instrument

Yes!

Students are permitted and encouraged to apply for both scholarships, if they so choose. We have one scholarship in the fall, & one in the spring.

You will need to apply by the listed deadlines for the desired scholarship using the links above.

There are 3 parts to each application:

Part 1: Personal Video Essay:

• A video recording in which you can connect with the viewer and make a strong case for why you are a great candidate for this scholarship.

• Elements can include but are not limited to :

  1. Who are you as a musician?

  2. What is your involvement in music so far?

  3. Tell us about the specific artistic experience you want to pursue. What drew you to this particular opportunity (e.g., a specific camp, a masterclass, or a tour)?

  4. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity that is inaccessible in your current environment?

  5. What are the primary financial hurdles currently standing between you and this opportunity?

  6. How will this opportunity impact your musical journey and change you as a musician? If you don't receive this scholarship, how would that change your plans for this year?

  7. Outside of this scholarship, what steps have you already taken to make this goal a reality? Is there any plan you are going to implement soon?

  8. The IOWinds Alliance values community. How do you plan to bring what you learn back to your local band, school, or community?

• Videos should range from 4-6 minutes in length, look professional, have good lighting and sound, and should be rehearsed in preparation to cover all key points in an efficient, organized, professional, and authentic manner.

• A video link will be uploaded in the application.

• We encourage you to research and fully understand the scope and concept of a video essay. There are many resources online to help with understand this process and assist you in creating the best presentation of yourself possible.

Part 2: One Performance Video

• Video must be at least 5 minutes in length that demonstrates your current level of playing

• If performing a solo piece that has a piano accompaniment, you are required to submit a video performance with a piano.

Part 3: Letter of Recommendation

• The letter can be from a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, mentor, band director or other applicable source, and should compliment the students’ video essay.

• The letter should speak to applicant’s strengths as both academic and music student, and how the recommender sees the student potentially benefitting from this acquisition over the longer course of time.

We encourage all applicants to be as authentic as possible!

Writing out your thoughts for the Personal Video Essay is strongly encouraged.

We recommend choosing someone to write your Letter of Recommendation who will be able to speak and write about your strengths.

Remember that if you are performing a solo piece that has a piano accompaniment in your Performance Video,you are required to submit a video performance with a pianist playing with you. Please contact us if you need help finding a pianist.

See “What’s in the application?” for more details.

Our scholarship recipients are selected through a holistic review process that considers both artistic merit and financial need. The even scoring structure reflects this balance, recognizing students who demonstrate strong potential while also ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent participation in transformative musical experiences.

Applications are scored by three judges in the following areas:

• Talent (Performance Video) – 20 points

• Need/Intent (Video Essay) – 20 points

• Letter of Recommendation – required for eligibility, not scored.

Applicants’ final score will be an average of 3 judges. Applicant with the highest average score will receive the award.