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2026 Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition Application

Before applying, please review the 2026 Macdonald Guide. If you have any questions, please contact The Alden at alden@mcleancenter.org

Please remember:
  • All applicants must be full-time high school students (grades 9 to 12).
  • All applicants must reside in, or attend school in, Small District 1A of the Dranesville Tax District.
  • An application fee of $20 is required for each application.
  • All applicants must attend their category's preliminary round and the final round on April 29. No exceptions.
Theatre and Dance Finalists will have a Technical Rehearsal on April 28th between 5-9 p.m. Each Finalist will have an assigned 20-minute time block.
Vocal and Instrumental Music will have a Technical Rehearsal on April 29th from 5:00-8:00. It is recommended, but not required, that your accompanist (if any) attend this rehearsal.
1.Please select the category that you would like to compete in.
You may compete in more than one category, but you must submit a separate online application for each and pay an additional $20 non-refundable application fee for each category.(Required.)
2.If Instrumental, what instrument?
3.Preferred First Name(Required.)
4.Last Name(Required.)
5.Best Email Address to Reach You(Required.)
6.Best Phone Number to Reach You(Required.)
7.Address(Required.)
8.City(Required.)
9.State(Required.)
10.Zip(Required.)
11.School(Required.)
12.Grade(Required.)
13.Please provide information about your most noteworthy classes or individual lessons in the category for which you are applying. You may describe up to 6 different experiences. Please list the type of class, location/instructor and number of years for each.

For example:
1. Advanced Technique; Music School/Dr. Smith; 5 years
2. Private Lessons; Music School/Dr. Smith; 2 years(Required.)
14.Please provide information about your most noteworthy performance experience in the category for which you are applying. You may describe up to 6 different experiences. Please list the title and role, location and date.

For example:
1. Romeo and Juliet, Juliet; McLean High School; 2015
2. Band Recital, Wind Ensemble; Dr. Smith; 2014(Required.)
15.Please provide all of your availability for the preliminary round. Once all applications and application fees are received, a confirmation will be sent to the email you listed above with your time slot and important information.

Preliminary round dates are:
Theatre: Monday, February 9th
Dance: Tuesday. February 10th
Vocal Music: Wednesday, February 11th
Instrumental Music: Thursday, February 12th

In order to compete in a category, you must be available on that category's date. No exceptions.(Required.)
Available at this time
7:00 -7:15 PM
7:15-7:30 PM
7:30-7:45 PM
7:45-8:00 PM
8:00-8:15 PM
8:15-8:30 PM
8:30-8:45 PM
8:45-9:00 PM
16.Theatre and Dance only -- Do you have any conflicts on April 28th between 5-9 p.m.? You will be assigned a 20-minute time block for your technical rehearsal. We will do our best to accommodate any schedule preferences.
17.Verification(Required.)
18.Application Fee(Required.)