Merit-Based Awards
Barry Richman Careers in Music Scholarship
Any eligible, graduating senior from any ESYO ensemble may apply. This scholarship is awarded at the end of each ESYO season to a graduating senior from any ESYO group who best exemplifies the goals and standards of his/her ensemble, serves as a role model to his/her peers, has made outstanding musical contributions, and plans a career in music. It is a $1000 award.- To be considered for this scholarship, please complete and submit both of the required forms. The Teacher Recommendation Form must be completed by your School Music Teacher or, if home-schooled, by your Private Music Teacher.
- Incomplete applications or applications received after deadline will not be considered. An application is incomplete if it is missing the Teacher Recommendation Form.
- Application available in the spring.
The Helen Cha-Pyo Baton Award
Helen Cha-Pyo served as ESYO’s Music Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor between 2002 and 2018. Under her extraordinary leadership, ESYO grew to become one of the preeminent Youth Orchestras in the nation. Helen’s vision guided the launch ESYO’s CHIME in 2015 to provide a free, comprehensive music program for economically disadvantaged children and her active community engagement sparked numerous collaborative projects both regionally and internationally.
This $1500 award is given each spring to a senior who embodies Helen’s passionate commitment to music as a means to uplift and enrich the community. The recipient will be announced at Encore Stage in the spring.
Needs-Based Financial Aid
Musicians may apply for need-based tuition assistance by completing and submitting a financial aid application for the 2019/2020 season by July 26, 2019.
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The Harmony in Music Scholarship, established by the Kolodziej and Resta Family
This scholarship supports the musical aspirations of talented young players who demonstrate financial need. In recognition of the challenge faced by larger families to afford enriching opportunities for all their children equally, this award favors applicants seeking to enroll more than one child in Empire State Youth Orchestra. -
The Richard Albagli Scholarships, established by the Chang, Harris & Provancher Families
These scholarships honor Richard Albagli’s more than thirty years of service to ESYO as Percussion Conductor, his deep commitment to music education and his compassion for others. These awards favor percussion applicants.
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Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Scholarships
The Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust believes, as do we, that no one should be denied the opportunity to pursue a talent because of economic hardship. These scholarships help safeguard ESYO’s longstanding commitment to grant any qualified musician the assistance they need to become a member.
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Suzanne D. Lake Scholarship, established by Kathryn Lake in honor of her mother
This scholarship honors Suzanne Lake’s role as one of ESYO’s founders, and her decades of service to young musicians. This needs-based award favors a rising senior demonstrating a commitment to the serious pursuit of music.
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Summer Enrichment Awards, established in honor of Kathy Gallagher
These awards pay homage to Kathy Gallagher’s devotion to young musicians and her years of service to ESYO. These needs-based awards range from $500-$1,000, and are to be used for summer programs, private lessons and instrument purchase or repair. Application for the Summer Enrichment Awards will be available in the spring.
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The Helen Cha-Pyo Scholarship Fund
Helen Cha-Pyo served as ESYO’s Music Director and Symphony Orchestra Conductor between 2002 and 2018. Under her extraordinary leadership, ESYO grew to become one of the preeminent Youth Orchestras in the nation. Helen’s vision guided the launch ESYO’s CHIME in 2015 to provide a free, comprehensive music program for economically disadvantaged children and her active community engagement sparked numerous collaborative projects both regionally and internationally.
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The Accelerator Scholarships
These needs-based scholarships honor Roger Hannay's unwavering desire to help those in need who are also willing to help themselves. These awards favor returning ESYO musicians who have been accepted into a more advanced ensemble and who reflect Roger's grit, determination and dedication to hard work.
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Niskayuna Community Foundation Scholarships
The Niskayuna Community Foundation was founded in 1999 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region to enhance the quality of life in Niskayuna by maximizing resources to the greatest benefit of the community. The Niskayuna Community Foundation Scholarships are granted to ESYO musicians who are Niskayuna residents and who demonstrate significant financial need.