General Information about Church of the Crossroads’

♫Music Scholarship Program♫

1212 University Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96826-1534

Office: 808/949-2220;  Fax: 808/943-6719

email address: ccrhi@hawaii.rr.com       website: churchofthecrossroadshawaii.org

 

Applications for auditions are available on the church website, at the church office and at many local music departments (including UH/Mānoa, Kapi‘olani Community College; Chaminade University).  Auditions are usually held in August and September of each year, and can be scheduled with minister of music, Don Conover. (call 808/256-7212, or email donconoverhawaii@earthlink.net)

 

♫ PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS

      1.   The scholarships help students of any age further their music education.

      2.   Scholarships give students additional opportunities to sing in public, both as soloists and as participants in ensembles.

      3.   Scholarship recipients give musical leadership to the choir, resulting in faster musical preparation and greater flexibility in repertoire.

      4.   Music scholars provide the church community tangible returns for its monetary support of the scholarship program.

 

♫ REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS of SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES

  1. Candidates must take private voice lessons with a teacher of their choice for the duration of the scholarship.
  2. Candidate must demonstrate good vocal ability.
  3. Candidate must demonstrate developing music reading ability and have some knowledge of music theory.
  4. Candidates must provide two recommendations attesting to musical knowledge, vocal ability, experience and personal qualities.

 

♫ RESPONSIBILITIES of SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

  1. Recipients must be prompt to all rehearsals and services.

a)      Sunday service (be prepared to begin warmup at 10:00 am)

b)      Services begin at 10:30 am and end before noon.

c)      Rehearsals: Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Repertoire for concerts and special services is also covered during the Wednesday rehearsals. 

d)      The choir year is early-September through mid-June.

  1. Recipients should offer help and musical support to the members of their respective voice sections.
  2. Recipients must sing or play at least two solos, duets, etc. during the choir year; additional solos are encouraged.  You are encouraged to ask for help in selecting appropriate repertoire based on the themes and seasons of the church year.  We have collections of soloists’ books and guides for your use; also ask your voice teacher for assistance.

 

  1. Recipients are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in the areas of promptness, attendance, attitude and communication.  Recipients are encouraged to discuss any concerns that may arise relating to the scholarships with the minister of music or a scholarship committee member.

 

♫ SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS

  1. Auditions generally occur in August and September but may occur any time an award becomes available.  Auditions are scheduled with the minister of music and held by the scholarship committee, a small group comprised of choir members and others involved with music at the church.

 

2.   COMPONENTS of the AUDITION:

a)      INTERVIEW: The scholarship committee conducts an informal conversation with applicants at the beginning of the audition.

b)      PREPARED SOLOS: Applicants are asked to sing one “classical” work, art song or operatic aria and a simple “folk-like” song or hymn, both preferably from memory.  Although it is recommended that the applicant prepare with an accompanist who can attend the audition, a church accompanist can be provided. 

c)      SIGHTSINGING: A short section from a hymn or choral score (from easy to moderate difficulty) will be selected to test sight-reading skills. Applicants will be given ample time to check out the example and sing it several times to demonstrate improvement during each rendition.

d)      OPTIONAL INSTRUMENTAL SOLO: Instrumental ability is welcomed whether as a solo or as accompaniment (auditioners may accompany themselves). 

e)      To lessen “stage fright” and to acquaint the applicant with the procedure which will be followed, an optional “practice audition” with the minister of music will be offered before the actual audition day.

 

  1. All applicants will be informed of audition results. Unsuccessful candidates are

       invited to re-audition any time a scholarship award becomes available.

 

♫ PROVISIONS OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS

  1. Scholarships are awarded for the choir year (usually early September to mid-

June).  In order to assist as many students as practical, scholarships are usually limited to two consecutive years per recipient. 

 

Recipients wanting to re-apply into the second year need not go through the formal audition process.  There may be an informal meeting with the scholar if the scholarship committee desires.  Former scholars are welcome to reapply after a one-year hiatus.

                                                                                   

     2.   The monetary worth of each award is at least $1,000 per year.  This amount may

increase depending upon the number of events in which the choir participates. Recipients receive extra compensation each time they participate in a choir event in beyond the regular Wednesday rehearsal and Sunday service.  The total amount received usually exceeds the announced value of the award.

 

These events occur five or six times per year and include the annual fall Choir Retreat, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and in January, the Epiphany Service of Light and Martin Luther King celebration.  In the spring, the choir participates in one or two Holy Week services leading up to Easter Sunday such as the Good Friday Taizé meditation service.

 

Occasionally the choir is asked to offer gifts of music at church member’s weddings or memorial services.  All such events are compensated and announced as far in advance as possible; it is hoped that scholars will be able to participate.  Student musicians are often in demand.  Conflicts in scheduling must be worked out ahead of time.  Absences must be kept to a minimum.

 

3.   Choir scholars are featured soloists in the FUNd-raising concert A Gift of Love,

presented every other year, usually in early May.  Contributions received for this event are the main source of funding for the scholarships.

 

  1. An initial stipend of $100 is paid at the beginning of each semester to help

recipients with ‘start up’ expenses such as lesson fees, music scores, etc.  The balance of the scholarship is paid monthly.  These award checks must be used during the period the scholarship is held and for the following purposes (in order of preference):

a)      voice lesson expenses (includes teacher, accompanist, music

 books, supportive recordings, etc.)

b)      vocal coaching expenses (teacher; supportive items)

c)      instrumental lessons or coaching to enhance vocal/musical development.

 

  1. Reasonable use of church facilities (piano, organ, practice rooms) may be

scheduled by contacting the church office.  An accompanist can be provided free of charge to recipients preparing solos, etc. for worship services and other choir events.