Herbert Zipper Scholars Program 2015-2016
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I have to be a current Colburn student to apply?
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No. This scholarship is open to the general public, provided they meet the stated
application requirements.
2. How many Herbert Zipper Scholarships are available?
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The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation grant allows us to support 44 total scholars
with this program. New spots in the program become available only when a
current scholar graduates out, or leaves the program for some other reason. We do
not now know the exact number of available spots for the 2015-2016 year, as
current scholars’ progress are still being assessed; but it will be fewer than 44.
3. Where do I find the Application?
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On our website: www.colburnschool.edu, you will find a departments list to the
left of the home page. Click into Community School and from those dropdown
options select Scholarships. There you will find the dropdown option: Herbert
Zipper Scholars. On that page you will find general information and links to
the flyer and application pages you will need.
4. Do I have to attend one of the Informational Open Houses?
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No. Both dates, are optional, and intended to provide you the opportunity to
hear from, and ask questions of, the members of the Herbert Zipper Scholars
Committee; who will conduct all Auditions/Interviews. If you feel your questions
are sufficiently answered through the webpage, the application, and/or contact
with Coordinator Abigail Caro, there is no need to attend an Open House.
5. How long must the Essay be?
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We do not require a specific number of words, but ask that the student applicant
choose one of the two essay topics, and share with us their honest response. An
expressive essay needn’t be longer than one page, (possibly two) and may be typed
or very legibly hand-written.
6. Can my Letters of Recommendation be sent to you directly?
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Yes. Please feel free to share Ms. Caro’s contact information, (mail, fax or email)
with any teacher writing you a letter of recommendation. They may send it to
her directly, and must include the Applicant’s Name on, and/or in, the
document. *Note: Following up on the receipt of letters of recommendation sent
separately, is the sole responsibility of the student applicant.
7. Do you really want ALL the pages of my Tax Return?
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Yes. Because financial need is such an important element of this scholarship, a
clear understanding of the family’s finances is required. Our Finance Manager is
unable to assess this from partial submissions. We require a copy of the 1040,
(or other) form itself, as well as ALL appropriate Schedules.
8. Why the IRS transcript?
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Again, to best evaluate all applicant’s financial need, this free online transcript
service enables our Finance Manager to verify the authenticity of all tax return
copies we receive.
9. Is the Recorded Audition for Pre-Screening required?
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Yes. To manage the time constraints on our classrooms, and the Herbert Zipper
Scholarship Committee’s schedules, we require the pre-screening process.
10.
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How do I submit my Recorded Audition for Pre-Screening?
Use your video camera or smart phone to record your audition, then upload and
send an electronic link submission via email. You may also copy your recorded
audition to a flash drive (or burn to DVD) to submit with your completed
application via mail, (or to drop off in person). Always include the applicant’s
name on the DVD or in the subject line and/or body of your email.
11.
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What if I do not own a video camera or smart phone?
If you are unable to borrow a recording device, we will provide a space and a
video camera to assist in preparing your audition for pre-screening. If you will
require this assistance, please contact Coordinator Abigail Caro directly to
schedule. You must come with your audition prepared to present, this will be an
offer of camera and space to record only and not a coaching session.
12.
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When/how will we be notified if we are invited to a live Audition/Interview?
Exact dates will depend on the volume of submissions we receive, but if you are
invited to a live Audition/Interview, we plan to notify you, in writing, in early
to mid- April for the scheduling of appointments that month.
13.
What about an Accompanist?
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An accompanist is optional depending on the requirements for your age and
discipline. Although we are most likely not able to provide you accompaniment
for your recorded (pre-screen) audition, (even if you utilize our space/camera to
record it) we will be able to offer accompaniment should you be invited to a live
Audition/Interview. If we arrange for live audition accompaniment, it will be at
no cost to you, but you must provide us copies of the piano part to your chosen
piece in advance. If you are invited to a live audition and would like to bring
your own accompanist, you are welcome to do so at your own cost.
14.
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Can my parent/s sit in on my Audition?
No. We ask all parents, family members and/or music coaches to remain outside
the live audition room. However, we require at least one parent (both are
welcome if available) to be present for the same day Interview in the
Audition/Interview process.
15.
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What are Abigail Caro’s hours of availability?
As driver of the Colburn Bus, you may find Ms. Caro out of her office, (G-212)
weekday afternoons. If you find her out, please drop your complete submission
packet, (with the student applicant’s name clearly on the outside) in the grey
metal Dropbox outside G-212, (in the wall to the left of the door). Ms. Caro will
daily retrieve messages left for her via email: acaro@colburnschool.edu or phone:
213.621.4551.
16.
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When/how will we be notified if we receive a Herbert Zipper Scholarship?
Again, exact dates will depend on the number of invitations to live
Audition/Interview, but we hope to notify all applicants in writing, (whether or
not they receive a scholarship) between mid and late May. The registration
period for all 2015-2016 Herbert Zipper Scholars will fall between: Aug. 12
and Sept. 8 for fall semester classes starting on September 9, 2015.
*Please be aware: the deadline for application for Financial Aid through CSPA,
(Community School of Performing Arts) is: 5pm Saturday, May 23, 2015. We
encourage you to consider a separate, CSPA Financial Aid Application for
submission, in addition to your application for a Herbert Zipper Scholarship,
in the event that you do not receive a Herbert Zipper Scholarship. Questions
regarding CSPA Financial Aid can be directed to Stephanie Miller at:
213.621.4567 or to CSPA generally at: 213.621.4548.