Scholarships & Awards

Each year, CFOM honors the impressive work & community service of current Chelmsford music students through the CFOM Scholarships & Awards. Scholarships celebrate students commitment to the Chelmsford school music programs and support students in their pursuit of opportunities to continue their music education by providing financial support to those who qualify. Awards recognize students’ dedication to community service for CFOM.

Students may apply for as many Scholarships & Awards as desired. Scholarships & Awards are generally presented at the CHS & Middle School concerts each year. Those not in attendance will be notified individually. Should there be no concert(s), alternative means of award will be implemented.

The number and value of awards will be based upon the availability of funds and number of applicants. All decisions of the CFoM Scholarship Committee will be final.


College Scholarships

College Scholarships are awarded to CHS graduating Seniors who will be attending a 4-year or 2-year institution for college.

The deadline to submit ALL College Scholarship applications is May 1st.

CFoM College Scholarship

CFoM College Scholarships are awarded to deserving students to recognize their dedication to the Music Program in the Chelmsford Public Schools and to encourage them to continue their personal music journey & community service.

Complete the CFOM College Scholarship Application form at: http://tinyurl.com/cfomscholarships

Eligibility Criteria

For the CFOM College Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in the Chelmsford Public School (CPS) system
  • Be an active member in a graded performance Band, Chorus, or Orchestra programs offered by Chelmsford Public Schools.
  • Be actively planning to attend a 4-year or 2-year college program
  • Performed a minimum of 10 hours of documented volunteer service to CFoM prior to the date of this application
    (more than half of which should be performed during High School tenure).

    Volunteer hours records may found in the “Volunteer Hours Look-up” menu above.

Application Requirements

Upload the following by the application deadline:

  • Resume detailing in-school & out-of-school activities and community service involvement. Include leadership positions and/or awards received.
  • CFoM Music Educator Recommendation Form, completed by one (1) current CPS music teacher.
    Please give music educators ample time to complete your form. (https://tinyurl.com/cfomreccomend24)
  • Personal Statement Essay written in your own words with the following prompt:
Reflect on the qualities of excellence in the Chelmsford school music programs, how you have personally benefited from your participation, and what will you use from your experiences in the music programs to contribute to the overall betterment of the community.

Caleb Flores College Scholarship

The Caleb Flores College Scholarships are awarded to deserving students to recognize their story of how music has played an important role in their life. This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Caleb Flores.  A 2021 graduate of Chelmsford High school, Caleb most enjoyed playing music on piano, cello, guitar, ukulele, or bass in groups.  Friends and family would regularly hear music  echoing through his home. Anytime he played piano, the house fell silent to listen. Caleb also spent a great deal of time writing his own music and songs. Caleb’s dream was to pursue a career in medicine, but his family would like to honor the passion that played such a large part of his life. 

Complete the Caleb Flores College Scholarship Application form at: http://tinyurl.com/cfomcalebflores

Eligibility Criteria

For the Caleb Flores College Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in the Chelmsford Public School (CPS) system
  • Be an active member in a graded performance Band, Chorus, or Orchestra programs offered by Chelmsford Public Schools.
  • Be actively planning to attend a 4-year or 2-year college program

Application Requirements

Upload the following by the application deadline:

  • Resume detailing in-school & out-of-school music activities.
  • Acceptance Letter from a college, university, or conservatory.
  • Personal Statement Essay written in your own words with the following prompt:
What impact has music had on your life so far and what role do you see it playing moving forward?

Camp Assistance Scholarships

Camp Assistance Scholarships are awarded to defray a portion of the program cost for Middle School & High School students attending music enrichment programs. Programs may include either in-person or virtual seminars or camps.

Applications for Camp Assistance scholarships are accepted and awarded on an ongoing basis, but they are announced at the Middle School and High School ensemble concerts.
Complete the Scholarship Application form at: http://tinyurl.com/cfomcamps 

Eligibility Criteria

For the Camp Assistance Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in the Chelmsford Public School (CPS) system
  • Be an active member in a graded performance Band, Chorus, or Orchestra programs offered by Chelmsford Public Schools.
  • The applicant must have performed a minimum of 4 hours of documented volunteer service to CFoM
    (at least 1-hour of which should be performed during the previous 12 months).

Application Requirements

Upload the following:

  • Resume detailing in-school & out-of-school music activities.
  • Camp/Program Registration/Acceptance including dates of attendance. (If this requirement poses a hardship, please contact us.)
  • Personal Statement written in your own words with the following prompt:
Describe your musical interests & goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve those goals.

Some examples of camps/programs from past years include Drum Major Camps, MMEA All State Festival Ensemble, UML Mary Jo Leahey Symphonic Band camp, UNH Summer Youth Music School, and Salve Regina Jazz Camp at Newport.
Note: Camp Scholarship awards are meant to assist with, not necessarily cover, the cost of tuition for a program.


Awards

Unsung Hero Awards

CFOM’s annual Unsung Hero Award recognizes individual students who make significant positive contributions to a graded music ensemble at McCarthy Middle School or Chelmsford High School, often behind the scenes, without seeking or expecting recognition. These individuals may be quietly making a difference through acts of kindness, helpfulness, or unwavering support that ultimately enhances the ensemble and school music community as a whole.

If you know someone who you think deserves this recognition, please take a few minutes and fill out the nomination form. Nominations are due on Friday April 25, 2025.
Complete the Unsung Hero Nomination form at: https://tinyurl.com/cfomunsunghero

Eligibility Criteria

For the Unsung Hero Award, the nominee must meet the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in the Chelmsford Public School (CPS) system
  • Be an active member in a graded performance Band, Chorus, or Orchestra programs offered by Chelmsford Public Schools.
  • The Unsung Hero will be awarded at each ensemble’s Spring Concert.

Nomination Requirements

Any music ensemble student may nominate a student in that ensemble for this award.  A copy of your nomination will be sent to you.

How will the winner be selected? 
The CFOM Executive Board will collaborate with each Ensemble Director to review all nominations and select a winner for each graded music ensemble at McCarthy Middle School & Chelmsford High School.

Community Service Awards

Service Awards are given to students who have volunteered their time as part of CFOM events & outreach. Service hours earned volunteering for CFOM may also be used to qualify for other community service scholarships and awards (ie. National Honor Society, Scouts, school scholarships).

Questions?

If you have any questions please speak to your Music Ensemble Director, or Chelmsford Friends of Music (chelmsfordfriendsofmusic@gmail.com)