Brittenback-Meezan Presidential Award

Intended as a resource for small- and mid-sized congregations in the Episcopal Church, the Brittenback-Meezan Presidential Award is an annual $3,000 grant which demonstrates the value of continuing education as a means of enlivening worship and deepening Christian understanding through music. To that end, the grantee parish will commit an additional $1,000 to this award, for a total annual grant of $4,000.

Episcopal parishes with limited resources are encouraged to apply on behalf of their staff musician. Applications from rectors, in consultation with their church’s musician, will be accepted by AAM’s President who, under the advisement of its elected Board, will match the musician with a mentor from among its membership. That mentor will work with the musician on skills necessary for leading worship in the Episcopal Church, and will be responsible for reporting to the board how the funds are used.

This program is intended to aid a musician who is inexperienced as an Episcopal church musician in developing the skills required to more successfully lead programs and worship that fully live into the Anglican tradition, including a deeper understanding of Episcopal liturgy, service playing on the organ, and training a choir to lead worship. Funds can be used for:

If the awarded musician is not already a member, the grant includes a one-year AAM Affiliate Membership. Please email AAM President, Kyle Ritter, with any questions regarding your application or eligibility.

Guidelines

  • Applications will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2024.
  • Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024.
  • Grantee will be notified by April 15, 2024.
  • The grantee must agree to submit a written report within one year of receiving funds.

 

This annual award is made possible by current AAM member, W. Michael Brittenback, in honor of his late husband, Bill Meezan.

Past Awardees

Matthew Hoch – Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Auburn, AL
Dr. Matthew Hoch was awarded the inaugural Brittenback-Meezan Presidential Award in 2023. Dr. Hoch writes, “It has been an honor and privilege to be the first recipient of the Brittenback-Meezan Presidential Award. Over the past year, this generous grant had a significant impact enriching worship at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama. This funding gave me the opportunity to further my training on the organ and attend my first AAM Conference in Dallas, Texas. What an inspiring week that was! I am grateful to AAM for its investment, which will continue to make a lasting difference in the music programs of small parishes.