519-434-9173
outofthecold@golden.net
The Dundas St. Centre United Church Choral Scholarship Program
(The Lottie Brown and the Alan & Jean Coote Choral Scholarships)
The Lottie Brown Choral Scholarship originated in 1996 as a community outreach initiative by church member Mrs. Lottie Brown and as a project celebrating the 150th anniversary of Dundas Street Centre United Church. In the year 2000, an second endowment, also in support of the choral scholarship programme at the church, was created with funds generously donated by Dr. Alan Coote and his wife Jean. Both endowments are administered by the London Community Foundation. Interest from the endowments and contributions to the local Choral Fund from private individuals and from the Choir have been used to grant scholarships to 40 voice students since 1997, with six being awarded in the 2006-2007 year.
The first choral scholarship, valued at $600, was awarded to Mr. Kris Biernacki, a baritone studying at the Faculty of Music (The University of Western Ontario). Since that time scholarships have been awarded to all voices but predominantly to sopranos. A choral scholar currently receives $2,200 and is expected to attend all weekly rehearsals and worship services from the first week in October until the end of April. The scholars report to the Music Director and the Choral Scholarship Coordinator. Funds are awarded in four installments, directly to private voice teachers or to the scholars themselves if they are registered in music at Western. Many opportunities are provided for solo and small ensemble singing in addition to choral performance.
- Choral scholars for 2025-2026. This year our scholars are Callista Foti (soprano), a third-year music student at Western University and Adaline Quach (alto), a music education student at Western, in training to become a music teacher. If you are interested in becoming a future choral scholar at our church, please read the following paragraph. (We are in the process of selecting another scholar. Callista is returning)
- How to apply for a scholarship. Applicants must have sight-singing skills and be registered for voice lessons. Scholarships are open to all voice students but priority will be given to university, college and high school students. More information can be found at: ChoralScholarAd2023.pdf
Interested individuals should contact the church regarding the submission of a resume and the scheduling of an audition (Please call 519-434-9173 or send an email to outofthecold@golden.netSubject: choral scholarship). An award is made based on the recommendation of the Choral Scholarship Selection Committee. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
