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Clifton Moise
Clifton Moise
Memorial Scholarship
Memorial Scholarship
The Clifton Moise Music Scholarship, established in 1969, honors the legacy of Clifton Moise, a distinguished musician and educator who founded Sumter’s public school music program in the 1930s. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Cornell University, Moise also studied piano, organ, theory, and composition in New York. He introduced formal music education to Sumter schools, organizing the city’s first orchestra and high school band in 1936, as well as large choral ensembles for boys and girls. Many of Sumter’s accomplished musicians credit their beginnings to his vision and dedication, qualities this scholarship continues to celebrate.
Sheldon Timmerman
Sheldon Timmerman
Piano Scholarship
Piano Scholarship
The Shelden Timmerman Piano Scholarship honors Shelden Timmerman, a respected piano teacher and Furman University graduate who shaped Sumter’s musical community through his dedication to musical excellence. A leader in local and state piano teachers’ organizations, he also established the area’s National Piano Guild auditions. This scholarship not only supports aspiring pianists but also upholds a legacy of musical stewardship, encouraging young musicians to carry forward the values of discipline, artistry, and community that defined his life’s work.
Elizabeth Book
Elizabeth Book
Vocal Scholarship
Vocal Scholarship
The Elizabeth Book Vocal Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Caton Book, a distinguished voice teacher whose students earned top awards and scholarships across South Carolina and gained acceptance to leading college music programs. Renowned for her artistry, Book notably served as soloist for the flight school graduation of King Charles. Book understood the voice as a living instrument; one that unites breath, language, and emotion into a single act of expression. Her lifelong dedication to nurturing young vocalists and supporting school and church choirs continues to inspire through this scholarship.
Application Guidelines
Application Guidelines
Applications for all scholarship open in January 2026 and close March 20th, 2026. Students should reside in Sumter County and/ or attend a Sumter County school as a junior or senior. Former first place winners may not compete again.
Auditions: April 19, 2026
First Presbyterian Church, 9 West Calhoun Street.
Times will be assigned between 2:00-6:00 PM.
Recital and Awards: May 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Winners will perform for the Woman’s Afternoon Music Club and guests.
The winner of each scholarship will receive a check for $750.
Music Selection
Students are encouraged to select age-appropriate music from the standard repertory. No pop songs, show tunes, hymns, or contemporary Christian selections. Limit the performance time to 15 minutes or less.
One original copy of the music with measures numbered must be provided for the judge. Electronic downloads should have a time stamp showing the name of the purchaser and source.
All solos written with piano accompaniment must be played with that accompaniment. No pre-recorded accompaniments may be used. Students must provide their own accompanist.
Voice
Prepare two selections of contrasting style and tempo. Suitable repertory for the audition includes opera and oratorio arias, English and foreign language art songs, African American spirituals, or American folksong. Both selections must be memorized.
Instrumental
Prepare two selections from the following: a movement from a sonata or concerto, and/or a standard solo from the repertory that show a contrast in style and tempo. Two movements from a single work are acceptable. Memorization is encouraged but not required.
Piano
Prepare two selections from the following: a movement from a sonata or concerto, and/or a standard solo from the repertory that show a contrast in style and tempo. Two movements from a single work are acceptable. Both selections must be memorized.
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