Give to the Dr. Burt H. Perinchief Endowed Scholarship in Choral Music

Dr. Burt H. Perinchief was born a “preacher’s kid” in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the youngest of three sons. He grew up in New Jersey where, as the result of extraordinary experiences in choral music, he pursued his education in that area at Trenton State College. It was there that he met his helpmate, Hazel (nee Browne), and embarked upon a teaching career in choral music at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, New Jersey.

 With Hazel’s strong support, Burt continued his education at Michigan State University, receiving the Master of Music degree in 1965 and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1974. While there, as a graduate assistant, he directed the Singing Statesmen, the university’s male choir.

 Following one year as a department chairman at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky, the Perinchiefs were prayed to Seminole Junior College in Sanford, Florida, and have been here ever since. Burt established the original music curriculum and has taught a variety of courses, including three choirs and vocal studies. He was chairman of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at SCC, 1988-1995. From 1991 to 1993 he served as president of the Florida chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and frequently serves as an adjudicator at district and state festivals. In retirement, Burt still loves working with choirs of all types when he is not entertaining his many grandchildren

Established to honor the professor’s legacy upon his retirement, the Dr. Burt H. Perinchief Endowed Scholarship in Choral Music provides assistance to graduates and residents of Seminole County who participate in the choral music program and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.