Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities Choral Scholar Program

Choral Scholarship Positions

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities is excited to offer four choral scholarship positions for the 2023–2024 program year.  Interested applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at an area college or university.  Having a major or minor in music is not a requirement.  The only requirement is having some prior experience and skill as a choral singer.  Each scholarship will be $1,750 per semester for a total program year scholarship of $3,500.  These scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university for each scholar, and they will be paid in two installments (fall and spring semesters).  

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHORAL SCHOLAR

• Participation – Choral scholars will participate in the choral and worship life of this congregation at the Minnetonka campus for the fall semester and the Minneapolis campus for the spring semester.
• Choral Attendance – Rehearsals and Sundays
  • Regular attendance at weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals, Sunday morning warm-ups, and Sunday morning worship.
    • Choral scholars are expected to attend weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals from 6:45–8:15 pm. During the Lenten season, the rehearsal time changes to 7:45–9:00 pm
    • During the fall semester, choral scholars are expected to sing during the 9:30 am service at the Minnetonka campus.
    • During the spring semester, choral scholars will be expected to sing during the 9:00 am and 10:30 am services at the Minneapolis campus.
• Absences
  • If a choral scholar is unable to attend any weekly rehearsals or Sunday morning services, notice should be given to both the director of the ensemble and the Director of Music as far in advance as possible. If a sudden absence is required because of an urgent necessity or sudden illness, the choral scholar should notify the Director of Music by phone or email.  
  • If the choral scholar develops a pattern of unexcused absences, the Director of Music reserves the right to terminate the scholarship.  
  • This program will observe and honor academic breaks/time off during both semesters.
• Additional Expectations
  • Choral Scholars are expected to arrive on time for all choral occasions. 
  • Scholars should prepare music outside of rehearsal to ensure they can effectively lead and support the volunteer members of the ensemble.  
  • Choral Scholars will be paired with a member of the ensemble at the beginning of the program year.  This ensemble member will serve as a point of connection with the ensemble in addition to the director and Director of Music.  This person will be tasked with helping the Choral Scholar to get connected with the other members of their section.

• Renewal of Scholarship
  • At the end of the program year, the director of the ensemble and the Director of Music will meet for a review of the experience with the Choral Scholar.  This is an opportunity for both parties to highlight the benefits of this experience and areas of improvement going forward.  
  • Applicants who found this experience enjoyable and fulfilling will have the opportunity to re-apply for the following year.  

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities Choral Scholar Program will offer each successful candidate a scholarship of $3,500 for the 2023–2024 program year.  This scholarship will be paid directly to the college or university, and it will be distributed in two installments (fall and spring semesters) of $1,750 each.  Bethlehem will do its best to ensure scholarships are distributed in a timely manner for inclusion on any tuition statements at the beginning of either term.  

At the discretion of the Director of Music, additional opportunities and further compensation may be available in the form of weddings and memorial services during the program year.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• A completed application form which can be filled out and submitted directly through this webpage.  Please see the application form below. 
• A brief letter of recommendation from a choral or vocal professor at your college or university.

***Please note that if we receive more than four applicants for this scholarship program, additional screening materials, like an audition video, will be requested to help make our final determinations.   

Choral Scholarship Application

For questions regarding this application form or submitting video recordings, please contact our Director of Music, Dr. Mark Paisar ([email protected]).

TIME FRAME

• Applications are accepted until the start of the program year which occurs on Sunday, September 10, 2023 or until four successful candidates have been selected.
• Applications and letters of recommendation will be reviewed as they are submitted.
• Notification of acceptance into this choral scholar program will be sent out as decisions are made.