The applicant should be able to perform on a traditional, orchestral musical instrument. These instruments are limited to: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, French Horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion (mallet instruments, tympani, snare drum), piano (if the applicant plays it regularly in the school orchestra or band), harp, violin, viola, cello and bass. The applicant must be a resident of the following counties: Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Chenango, Delaware in New York or Susquehanna and Bradford in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the applicant must be a member in good standing in their high school orchestra, concert band or wind ensemble. Home-schooled students who are members of the Binghamton Youth Symphony or comparable organizations, such as community bands and orchestras, are also eligible for the award.