Anna Newell Brown Awards for Vocal Excellence

The Anna Newell Brown Awards for Vocal Excellence, administered by the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County, support young singers in Indiana. The program is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are residents of Bartholomew County. Rather than evaluating academic transcripts or financial need through the FAFSA, the program selects recipients based on a live vocal competition held in February. For senior participants, the awards are intended to cover college tuition and qualified educational expenses, and top performers may receive an invitation to audition with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. For sophomores and juniors, the funding is designated for music camps or private vocal lessons. The first-place senior receives $3500 1st-place senior; varies. The application process opens in the fall, and candidates must submit their materials through the provider's online application portal. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2026, 4pm.