John E. Grimes Timpani Scholarship

John Grimes, former Vice President of the Boston Musicians’ Association for over a decade, was an advocate for musicians’ intellectual property, economic rights, and social justice. As a Professor at Boston Conservatory he was one of the world’s expert early music timpanists, performing regularly with the Boston Baroque and Handel & Haydn Society Orchestras. He also performed with Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, Cantata Singers, and other Boston-based organizations.

In December of 2012 John received a Certificate of Recognition from the United States Senate stating that he was “A guiding light for musicians in the labor movement in New England…a champion for all musicians, working tirelessly as an advocate for students, immigrants, and thosein need.”  John earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory. He also pursued doctoral studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Eligibility: The scholarship is open to timpani students (ages 18–26) interested in pursuing the study of period timpani playing. The scholarship may be applied to lessons, travel to study, etc., as long as the focus is baroque/classical period timpani playing. Applicant must be an active PAS Member.

Application Materials: 

• Completed application
• One-page proposal responding to the following questions

1. How would you use the scholarship funds?
2. What do you hope to achieve if you are awarded the scholarship?
3. What interests you stylistically about the study of period timpani playing?
4. List you experience (if any) performing early music.