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HBCU band directors head to NYC for audition fair

This is a press release that has been contributed to the AmNews but has not been vetted or verified but that may be of interest to the community.

Youth arts-based nonprofit Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts (BALAA) is bringing several band directors from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to New York for the first HBCU Audition Fair set for Monday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Restoration Plaza (1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn).

Local high school juniors and seniors will be able to audition for marching band scholarships from several HBCUs. Confirmed band directors attending are representing Edward Waters University (Florida), Virginia Union University, Allen University (South Carolina), Virginia State University, Hampton University (Virginia), Shaw University (North Carolina), North Carolina Central University, Tennessee State University, Clark Atlanta University, Vorhees University (South Carolina), Talladega College (Alabama), Alcorn State University (Mississippi), Texas Southern University and Grambling State University (Louisiana).

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BALAA offers free afterschool music education to youth in grades PK – 12 in NYC in the form of a traditional, HBCU-style marching band. The organization was created to provide creative outlets to young people.

“This fair is a realization of so many of our goals as an organization,” said Dr. Jada K. John, Executive Director of BALAA. “Marching band scholarships represent a wonderful path to higher education for many students, so we thought it would be a great opportunity for the kids, as well as the schools, to bring everyone together for a day of music, learning, and fun.”

Students must submit unofficial transcripts and review audition requirements for each school. Audition clinics and workshops on admissions, financial aid and student life are also being provided.

The event is free and open to the public. Go to balaa.org to register and for more information.

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