School Band & Orchestra Magazine is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship essay contest... with the added attraction of a donation to your school music program with $1,000 in music products!

All public and private school (including home school) students in grades four through twelve are eligible, with five $1,000 scholarships being awarded to students in grades four through eight, and five additional $1,000 scholarships being awarded to students in grades nine through twelve.

The theme of the 250-word (or less) essay is "How Does Music United Cultures Within Your School And Community. Essays must be submitted by December 31, 2008.

Essays can be submitted via e-mail by checking the magazine's Website, www.sbomagazine.com, and clicking on the esssay contest link on the home page. They may also be mailed to "Student Scholarship SBO Magazine, 31 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02494.