Don Barrows Memorial Scholarship
Applications & Submissions are due April 15, 2026
The Federal Way Chorale is offering, to locally based high school seniors, the opportunity to apply for the Don Barrows Memorial Scholarship. A $2,000 award will be granted to the winner. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from Federal Way or the surrounding area and planning a collegiate major or minor in vocal performance, musical theater or music education.
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All applicants must complete the application. On the form, submit a letter of recommendation from your choir director. Use the "Submit Video Here" button to submit a current .mp4 or other video recording of a live solo vocal selection(s). (A video of your solo/ensemble performance would be a great option.)
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Applicants may be interviewed by the selection committee. Scholarship winners will be invited to attend a concert in the spring for the presentation of the award. Funds will be granted during the first academic year of attendance upon proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university.
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Don Barrows was the first director of the Federal Way Chorale. He died of brain cancer in May 2013.
Don Barrows Memorial Scholarship, Spring 2025: Autumn Helene Chociej.
She graduated from Auburn High School in June of 2025. She performed with the jazz and advanced symphonic choirs. As a student in the Running Start program, Autumn was also a member of the Green River College Jazz Voices. Additionally, she performed with the
Rainier Youth Choirs, Seattle Opera Teen Vocal Studio, and the Seattle Opera.
Autumn planned to attend Lawrence Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she is a double major in classical voice performance and composition. Her career goal is to perform leading roles in opera, for, as she says, “Music opens up my soul. It’s how I express myself.”