Scholarships + Awards

The Handel and Haydn Society presents annual awards to singers in the H+H Youth Choruses and recent graduates. The Candace Macmillen Achtmeyer Award, the Evangelyna Etienne Scholarship Award, and the Barbara E. Maze Award for Musical Excellence are awarded to H+H students and alumni who have demonstrated a high degree of achievement in and commitment to the vocal arts and service to the community.


Young white female student singing

To apply for the Achtmeyer Award

Eligibility Requirements
Candidates for the Achtmeyer Award must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Participated in HHYC for at least two seasons.
  • High school senior actively singing with HHYC.
  • Plans to continue vocal training in college or by private study.

All application materials become the property of the Handel and Haydn Society, may be used to promote the Education Program, and cannot be returned.

Questions? Contact JongHun Kim, Associate Director of Education, at jkim@handelandhaydn.org.

Recipients of scholarships will be notified in early March.

Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer Award

For H+H Youth Choruses (HHYC) High School Seniors

The Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer Award is named in memory of H+H trustee Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer. Candace, a member of the Education Committee from 1993–2001, was a passionate supporter of young vocal talent which might otherwise be overlooked. It was her mission to ensure that HHYC participants received every possible encouragement.

This $2,000 award is given to a senior who demonstrates musical excellence and plans to continue vocal training in college or by private study. The Education Committee seeks to distribute this award to an individual for whom it will make a significant difference in furthering their vocal music studies. It is our hope that the award recipient will serve as a role model for students in the H+H Youth Choruses. Applicants must have sung with the H+H Youth Choruses for at least two seasons.

The application for this award includes an audition, personal statement, and teacher recommendation. Applicants are asked to prepare two musical selections for their audition; at least one should have been composed during the Baroque or Classical periods (1600-1812). Auditions will be held in the afternoon on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at New England Conservatory. An accompanist will be provided. Should you be unable to attend this audition, please contact JongHun Kim at jkim@handelandhaydn.org to discuss alternative arrangements for completing the audition requirement for this award.


Evangelyna Etienne Scholarship Award

For HHYC Students and Alumni Ages 16–24 who are currently attending school or enrolled in an educational program

The Evangelyna Etienne Scholarship Award was established by the Handel and Haydn Society in 2012 to honor the memory of a former student, Evangelyna Etienne, and to assist current or former students in H+H’s Youth Choruses for whom the financial award would make a significant difference in furthering their vocal music studies. With her passion for and commitment to vocal music, her energy, and her generosity of spirit, Evangelyna was an inspiration to other students. She was genuinely devoted to serving others and volunteered wherever she could in her school, her church, and her community, using music to connect with her community and improve the lives of those around her.

The application for this $1,000 award includes a personal statement and a recommendation from an individual who is familiar with your work serving your community through music.

The application for this award includes a personal statement and a recommendation from an individual who is familiar with your work serving your community through music.

“H+H has given me so much that it's hard to put into words, and I know that it has shaped me not only as a musician but as a person.”

–Evangelyna Etienne

To apply for the Etienne Award

Eligibility Requirements
Candidates for the Etienne Award must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Participated in HHYC for at least two seasons.
  • Ages 16-24 on January 10, 2024.
  • Currently attending school or enrolled in an educational program.
  • If currently in high school, must be actively singing with HHYC.
  • Did not receive the Etienne Award in the previous season.

All application materials become the property of the Handel and Haydn Society, may be used to promote the Education Program, and cannot be returned.

Questions? Contact JongHun Kim, Associate Director of Education, at jkim@handelandhaydn.org.

Recipients of scholarships will be notified in early March.


To apply for the Maze Award

Recipients of scholarships will be notified in early March.

  • Indicate your intent to audition by Monday, January 22, 2024.
  • Submit your Personal Statement and secure a Teacher Recommendation by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
  • Submit your Audition Video Recordings by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.  Please record your selections with live accompaniment, if applicable, and upload to Dropbox here. Auditions must have been recorded within the last six months. Recordings created before August 1, 2023 will not be considered for this award. 

Barbara E. Maze Award for Musical Excellence

For HHYC Alumni

The Barbara E. Maze Award for Musical Excellence is named in memory of Handel and Haydn Society trustee Barbara E. Maze, whose support and expertise were instrumental in establishing the H+H Youth Choruses.

This $3,000 award is given to students majoring in music, as well as non-music majors or high school graduates not currently in college, who wish to continue professional music instruction. The H+H Education Committee is interested in making this award to an individual for whom it will make a significant difference in furthering their vocal music studies. It is our hope that the award recipient will serve as a role model for singers in the H+H Youth Choruses.

The application for this award includes an audition video submission, personal statement, and teacher recommendation. Applicants are asked to prepare two vocal solo selections for their audition recording; at least one should have been composed during the Baroque or Classical periods (1600-1812).