Choral Scholarships Scheme

Supporting young people in a great musical tradition

The aim of the Choral Scholarships Scheme is to enhance the growth and sustainability of the choral tradition at All Saints’ Church by encouraging school-age youngsters of appropriate ability to be integrated, fully committed members of the Choirs.

In return for regular attendance at rehearsals and services, details of which are available from the Assistant Director of Music, award holders will enjoy the benefit of financial assistance with vocal/instrumental tuition up to a maximum value of £600 per annum.

They will also gain invaluable experience of, and skills in, choral singing at a high standard in the context of traditional church liturgy. The Choirs have in the past undertaken Cathedral visits and foreign tours and enjoy regular social activities. Two former Choral Scholars have been awarded Choral Scholarships at their chosen universities.

Subject to satisfactory progress and attendance, the award will be tenable for one year in the first instance, but it is expected that the formal end-of-year review will lead to renewal for a further year. Suitably qualified and experienced tutors will be appointed by the Trust in consultation with the Assistant Director of Music. In appropriate cases, where a successful candidate is already in receipt of lessons, every effort will be made to ensure continuity.

Who should apply?

Any music-loving young person who

• Is aged between 11 and 18
• Enjoys singing
• Is enthusiastic about music
• Shows good potential and commitment
• Already has a reasonable music-reading ability

Application procedure

Applications will be considered from January 2025. Forms may be obtained either from the Parish Office, The Causeway, Marlow, SL7 1AA, or downloaded by clicking here. Completed forms should be returned to the Parish Office and marked for the attention of the Chairman, ASM Music Trust. Applicants should enclose a short statement indicating why they are applying, together with a letter of recommendation from their music teacher/Head of Music.

Auditions

These will be arranged at mutually convenient times, with a minimum of one week’s notice being given, and will last no longer than 30 minutes. The adjudicating panel will include at least one of the Trustees and the Assistant Director of Music.

Candidates will be asked to perform their own choice of a piece for voice, and may in addition play an instrumental piece if they wish.

For music which requires an accompaniment candidates may bring their own accompanist, or may ask one of the adjudicators to act in that capacity. The auditions will end with some aural tests and general questions, which may be about the music performed, music in general, or candidates’ reasons for applying. Results will be communicated via the email address given on the Application Form.