St. Stephen's
Choral Scholarship
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church is pleased to offer choral scholarships for the 2023-2024 program year to up to eight local students in the amount of $850. These scholarships are intended to help students defray the cost of attending colleges, universities, vocational schools, and professional programs across the country.
Eligibility
To apply for the scholarship, you must be either a high school student (age 14-19) or a college student working towards an associates or bachelors degree (under the age of 25). All students must be able to meet the participation requirements as listed below. Some prior experience as a choral singer is expected. Students may come from any religious or non-religious background, and there is no expectation for the student to become a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.
Participation Requirements
Students who are offered scholarships are required to attend weekly rehearsals and church services beginning on Sunday, September 10, 2023 through Sunday May 26, 2023.
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Weekly rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings at 8:30AM and Wednesday evenings at 6PM
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Sunday worship services begin at 9:30AM.
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Additional special services will include Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Students are expected to be on time for all rehearsals and services. Students will be permitted up to 3 absences in a given scholarship year. Absences in excess of this will require performance tests to maintain their good standing.
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Upon completion of the program and all its requirements, checks will be awarded to all eligible scholarship participants during the worship service on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Application & Audition Requiremnts
Students interested in obtaining a scholarship must submit a completed online application by August 13, 2023.
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Applications must include the following:
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Student essay detailing why they are interested in the scholarship and prior choral experience (200-650 words)
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Two (2) brief written recommendations. One should be from a teacher and another from an adult (other than a family member) who is well acquainted with the student
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Parent/Guardian statement (for those under 18 years old) providing consent to participate
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Picture of the applicant
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Once your application is submitted, we will contact each applicant to schedule an audition. Personal auditions will take place between August 14 and August 27 in coordination with the Music Director, Pastor, and applicant (and parent/guardian for those under 18). The audition will consist of scale work to test for range, sight reading and a solo of your choice (no longer than 90 seconds).
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Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected for the scholarship program by August 31, 2023. Rehearsals will begin September 10, 2023.
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Questions? Please contact our Director of Music, Michael Wyatt