Financial Aid

We know that the first barrier often faced by those that want to participate in the Bluecoats is attending an audition event. The First Step Scholarships fully funds the audition fee for Bluecoats Audition Experience Camps. These scholarship awards fully fund one audition fee for either an in-person or virtual audition. When combined with a virtual audition, the First Step Fund makes it possible to complete a Round 1 audition for the corps without travel or registration costs.

Funds are disbursed on a first-come, as-needed basis. When funds have been exhausted, applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified when an award becomes available.

To apply for a First Step scholarship, email financialaid@bluecoats.com with a written statement about your need for financial assistance.

Annually Bluecoats awards three full ride scholarships to veteran members of the corps with a demonstrated need. Typically these awards are extended to a brass, percussion, and colorguard performer at the discretion of the directors.

Based on annual gifts to the fund, Bluecoats extends partial program fee assistance to participants of the corps with a demonstrated need. To learn more about this program, email bluecoats@bluecoats.com.

Established in 2020, the Frank Pasquerella Memorial Scholarship fund is an endowed fund in the Bluecoats Endowment that provides a perpetual scholarship to students attending Bluecoats educational programming like The Blue Way Summer Arts Camp. Generously funded in tribute to the late Frank Pasquerella, this endowed fund will continue to support young students of Bluecoats educational program for generations to come.

Learn more about Frank, and how to contribute to this endowed fund here.

Each yearh this scholarship supports between two and five students, and the program currently focuses on high school students in Stark County with a demonstrated need. Awards are considered through conversation between Bluecoats executive leadership and local band directors and music educators. With questions, email us at scholarships@bluecoats.com.

Annually the Board of Directors of Bluecoats raises funds towards a combination of full ride(s) and/or partial scholarships for participation in the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. The scholarships are awarded by the board, in consultation with executive leadership, based on a combination of need and merit.