The Boston Classical Guitar Society created the Frank A. Wallace Memorial Fellowship to celebrate the music of composer Frank Wallace by engaging young guitarists with his compositions and with other 21st century music. The BCGS awards a yearly scholarship to a New England-based guitar student between the ages of 16 and 24 to further their musical studies.
Applicants
Restrictions for applicants:
- Ages 16–24
- Must be either a resident of New England or currently studying in New England
Applicants should demonstrate a passion for exploring new music. Beyond classical guitar and composing, Frank Wallace had an expansive range of artistic interests including being an accomplished baritone vocalist and performer on early period stringed instruments. Continuing the legacy of Frank, the recipient of the Frank A. Wallace Memorial Fellowship will be someone who exhibits a diverse range of musical interests and an enthusiasm for sharing new ideas. The BCGS Artistic Committee is looking for a student who will take an active role in fostering a community of sharing ideas, inspiring new music, and celebrating innovation.
Fellowship Award
- Honorarium: $1000
- The Fellow is selected to learn and perform one piece or a set of pieces by Frank Wallace of at least 5 minutes in length. If the Fellow is a composer, the Fellow may write and perform a personal composition dedicated to Frank Wallace instead.
- Three performances to be determined under the BCGS umbrella (examples include performance parties, the library series, the festival, opener for the artist series)
- Publicity features (social media, website, newsletter)
Resources
These resources highlighting the work of Frank Wallace are available to assist you in your application.
Apply Now
In order to apply to the Frank Wallace Fellowship, please be ready to supply the following:
• Detail your interest in this Fellowship, your experience with the music of Frank Wallace, and your interest/experience in 21st century guitar music.
• YouTube videos of two contrasting pieces, one being a Frank Wallace composition, and the second being the applicant’s choice, but with 21st century music preferred.
• If the applicant is a composer, then a personal composition would be welcome.
The application deadline is February 1st, 2025.
The BCGS Artistic Committee will review applications and select the Fellow within one month of the deadline. For additional information, you may contact our fellowship director Catherine O’Kelly at catherine.okelly@bostonguitar.org.
Make a Donation to the Fellowship
There are three ways in which you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Wallace Memorial Fellowship fund:
Donate Online
You can quickly and easily donate any amount using your credit card.
NOTE: On the donation page, type any amount you wish to donate in the box labeled $0.00.
Mail a Check
You can mail a check made out to The Boston Classical Guitar Society directly to our society treasurer to the following address:
Boston Classical Guitar Society
Rocco Bombardieri
334 Bear Hill Road
North Andover, 01845
Make sure to write Frank Wallace Fellowship Fund in the memo.
Talk to Us
If you prefer, you may directly contact any BCGS Board Member to arrange a donation.
All of the proceeds from your donations will go directly to the fellowship fund. Our goal is to grow the fund to allow for an annual fellowship award. Thank you for your support of the next generation of young guitarists and their exploration of Frank Wallace’s invaluable legacy!
In 2007, in addition to his busy schedule of composing, teaching, performing, and recording, Frank served as the artistic director of the Boston Classical Guitar Society. Over the next two seasons, he infused the BCGS with the same dedication, creativity, and energy that are evident in his artistic endeavors. Consequently, our society truly entered the 21st century. Frank redesigned the website and strengthened our online communication methods. He created Festival 21, a new music-oriented event that also laid the groundwork for the BCGS’s commitment to commissioning new works as part of our guitar ensembles festival. During his time as director, our concert series began to expand its reach. Frank consistently introduced fascinating and compelling performers to Boston audiences. Our organization recognizes Frank’s lifelong dedication to the guitar, to new music, and to the New England guitar community.
With fond remembrance, and with the intention to create a lasting legacy in Frank’s honor,
BCGS Board of Directors
Daniel Acsadi, Michael Bester, Rocco Bombardieri, Jerome Mouffe, Kim Perlak, Will Riley, George Ward, Charles Ewing, Catherine O’Kelly, Dave McLellan, Jhon Alvarado