The John G. Perkins Scholarship was established to assist band students who attended one of the three schools where longtime music educator Mr. Perkins taught. The Richmond Concert Band has expanded eligibility to public high school band students in Richmond City, in addition to Goochland, Henrico, and Powhatan County Public Schools. 

Students who are Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors currently participating in their school band program and who intend to continue participation in their band program through the 2025-2026 school year are eligible to apply for this scholarship. 

Award:

One (1) applicant will be selected to receive the Richmond Concert Band’s John G. Perkins Scholarship of up to $500 to fund a musical activity of their choice. 

The scholarship recipient will be announced publicly at the Richmond Concert Band’s May 10, 2026 Mothers Day Concert at Agecroft Hall. The certificate for the scholarship will be presented to the recipient at the concert, if able to attend.

Eligibility:

Students must currently be a Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior who participate in their school band program in one of the following school systems: Goochland County Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Powhatan County Public Schools, or Richmond City Public Schools. Students must continue participation in their band program through the 2025-2026 school year to be considered eligible for this scholarship. 

Registration will open April 17 and close May 7, 2026. All application materials (application, essay, and letter of recommendation) must be received by May 7, 2026 in order to be eligible.

Selection Process:

The Richmond Concert Band's John G. Perkins Scholarship Selection Committee will review applicant materials and select one student to receive a scholarship of up to $500. The recipient will be notified of the award by May 8, 2026.


How To Apply: 

1. Complete and submit the online application form here. Applicants may also print, fill out, and mail their application, essay, and letter of recommendation to:

2. Attach a short essay (300 word minimum, 1 page max) which includes the following: 

   • How you intend to use the scholarship reward.

   • How the scholarship reward will benefit you and your school’s band program. 

   • Explain why you consider yourself the ideal candidate for receiving this scholarship

3. Submit a letter of recommendation from your band director. 

Scholarship Restrictions:

Recipients of the John G. Perkins Scholarship are required to use their scholarship reward in the following ways: 

• Private Instruction (Brass, woodwind, or percussion only)

• Summer Band Camps for Marching Band, Concert Band, or Drum Major (tuition, room & board)

• Instrumental Clinics (tuition, fees)

• Funds toward purchasing an instrument.

Contact PerkinsScholarship@RichmondConcertBand.org for approval if you plan to use the John G. Perkins Scholarship in a different way.

Scholarship Award Distribution: 

The award will be sent directly to the institution or organization hosting the event you plan to attend. If you plan to take lessons, the money will be sent directly to your private instructor.  The award will cover your costs to attend a camp (tuition, room and board), lessons, etc., for an amount of up to $500.00.  Any remaining scholarship funds after your musical activity is fully paid for will remain with the Richmond Concert Band.

Selected scholarship recipients must provide the Richmond Concert Band Scholarship Committee instructions as to whom and/or where to distribute scholarship funds so that the scholarship funds can be properly disbursed.

Questions?

Contact PerkinsScholarship@RichmondConcertBand.org with questions.