Alice Parker Fund Award

Description

The Alice Parker Fund Award recognizes the exemplary work of a Black or Latinx composer or an ensemble that respectfully and authentically presents works incorporating these traditions and experiences. 

Composer, conductor, and teacher Alice Parker had a profound impact on the choral field and on Chorus America. Parker was a touchstone of the choral community for over eight decades and a passionate believer in the transformative powers of choral singing. Established by Chorus America and Melodious Accord, this award focuses on Parker’s passion for the music landscape and traditions of many cultures, specifically those of Black and Latinx communities, which inspired her work.

This award is made possible through the Alice Parker Fund. Since Alice Parker's passing on December 24, 2023, gifts in her honor are being directed toward the Fund. Tribute gifts may be made at www.chorusamerica.org/give or by calling the Development Office at 202.331.7577 x241. 

For the 2025 Awards cycle, this award is open to ensembles or organizations.

The awardee receives a cash award of $2,000 and an engraved plaque. 

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Eligibility 

Applicants for the Alice Parker Fund Award must be members of Chorus America. Organizations and composers may self-nominate for this award.  

Recipients of this award will be eligible to reapply every six years. 

Eligibility rotates through a two-year cycle:  

  • 2025 Awards Cycle: Ensemble or organization 
  • 2026 Awards Cycle: Black or Latinx composer  
Deadline and How to Apply

The deadline to submit via the Chorus America Application Portal (CAAP) is Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:59PM ET. 

For organizations, the application will:

  • Provide the organization's mission statement, organization goals, and constituency served
  • Provide the name(s) of the artistic leadership
  • Describe how the organization's staffing and partners demonstrate a commitment to Latinx and Black traditions and experiences
  • Provide a list of programs/repertoire for the past three years that demonstrate a commitment to Latinx and Black traditions and experiences
  • Submit a request through CAAP for one letter of support from a partner, performer, or community member

Please refer to the Alice Parker Fund Award rubric as an additional resource. 

Please note: While there are no word limits for responses to the narrative questions, we find that concise responses that address the prompt and award rubric criteria in 2-4 paragraphs tend to be most successful.

Applications will only be accepted through CAAP. 

Recipients are selected by an award panel composed of experts in the award area from the Chorus America community, Chorus America board members, and/or past award recipients. This award is not required to be given annually and will be given at the discretion of the panel. 

Questions? Contact Vale Southard at 202.331.7577 x253 or [email protected]  

Alice Parker Fund Award Rubric