Since 1979, annually, in May, the New Britain Symphony Orchestra holds auditions for the Helen Kilduff-Elizabeth Elia Scholarship of one thousand dollars ($1,000), which is awarded to a high school senior in New Britain, Berlin, or Plainville who has been accepted by an institution of higher learning with a major in music.
The purpose of the scholarship award is to encourage a talented student who has been accepted by an institution of higher learning to major in music.
2022 Helen Kilduff-Elizabeth Elia Music Scholarship Recipients

2019 Scholarship Recipient
Performing in Berlin High School’s cabaret
We are delighted to announce our 2022 Scholarship recipients – Jacob Lasek and Garrett Millette – for the categories of Trombone and Trumpet, respectively.
Jacob Lasek is a 2022 graduate of Newington High School achieving a 4.0 GPA as well as the role of Drum Major. Jacob was very impressed with his maturity and enthusiasm for the future. He will be attending UCONN as a music education major.
Garrett Millette is a 2022 graduate of Plainville High School. He also achieved a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society as well as honors in French, Science and Math. Garrett will be attending UCONN in the fall, intending to major in music education.
2023 Applicant Requirements
- Display outstanding proficiency on an orchestral instrument or with voice.
- Be a graduating high school senior from the New Britain, Berlin, Newington, or Plainville schools.
- Intend to pursue a college degree with a major in music.
- Complete and send an application form, two (2) letters of recommendation, and a copy of a letter-of-acceptance by a college.
- Audition before a panel of judges two classical compositions of the applicant’s choice with a maximum of 10 minutes.
EMAIL
[email protected]
TRADITIONAL MAIL
New Britain Symphony 2021 Scholarship Applications
PO BOX 1253
New Britain, CT 06050-1253
Applicant Auditions will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2022
In person auditions as noted below.
- Applicants must perform two classical compositions of their choice.
- Auditions held before a panel of judges. Participants must provide their own accompanist when needed.
- Maximum time allowed for each audition will be ten minutes.
- Judges will consider musicianship, technique, tone, and interpretation.