Rink Scholarship will fund youth music training

Young musicians in Morgan County who are interested in pursuing more training in their chosen field have a valuable opportunity coming up – one made possible by the founder of the local Community Choir, the late George G. Rink.

Local youth singers, musicians and musical practitioners ages 12 to 19 can apply for a $250 George G. Rink Memorial Scholarship, with an application deadline of March 22.

The scholarship was set up to recognize “the potential for excellence” in local young musicians engaged in instrumental or vocal training, music theory, composition, or conducting studies.

Applicants must be full-time residents of Morgan County; enrolled in public or private school, home schooling or independent studies related to their musical pursuits; and actively pursuing their musical art.

Winners can use the funds to buy instruments, take musical classes, attend musical competitions or conferences or help cover the cost of private instruction in their chosen art.

Musicians seeking the award are asked to write about their musical pursuits and include letters of recommendation from music teachers and other adults qualified to describe the applicant’s skills and personal characteristics.

Distinguished applicants will be invited to audition before the scholarship selection committee on April 18, and finalists will perform during the May 18 concert of the Sleepy Creek Children’s Choir.
Past winners of the scholarship include Chenaya Devine Milbourne and James Worley, both of whom were selected for the award in 2009.

Rink was lifelong music lover
The scholarship was set up by Rink’s widow and daughter and members of The Community Choir to honor George Rink’s lifelong love of music and singing. He died in 2004.

George and Doris Rink were both lovers of sacred choral music and members of church and community choirs since childhood.

The couple was instrumental in establishing the vision and creating the structure of the organization that is now known as The Community Choir, Inc.

From 2000 until his death in August 2004, George Rink provided leadership and gave generous financial support to a group of local singers who had been singing together for a number of years in Morgan County, according to daughter Susan Rink.

After George Rink’s death, the group decided to promote his love of music and offer extra support to developing young musicians through a scholarship program. They made their first awards in the spring of 2009, and plan to give out two $250 individual scholarships each year.

“The George G. Rink Memorial Scholarship is made possible through the contributions of individuals and organizations – in Morgan County and beyond – that believe that musical and artistic training is essential to the development of lifelong skills that prepare young people for successful careers in the arts, education, and social services,” said Community Choir board member Bill North.

The scholarship fund also underwrites registration and uniform fees for Sleepy Creek Children’s Choir members in financial need.
Susan Rink said future plans for the scholarship fund include the creation of a college/post-secondary music scholarship, and sponsorship opportunities for youth music education programs to benefit the entire community.

Application information
A Rink Scholarship application is available by calling Susan Rink at 703-856-5467.

Applications and accompanying materials must be received by Monday, March 22.