The St Alban's choral scholarship is a wonderful way of gaining experience of singing at a high standard in an SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) choir that covers a large repertoire of music. It provides suitable experience for other choral opportunities or choral scholarships, for example at an Oxbridge college or Cathedral.
As a St Alban’s choral scholar, you will be part of a long musical tradition in the church. In joining us, you will be expected to demonstrate commitment and musicianship to promote and sustain our choral tradition.
At St Alban's church we offer choral scholarships for up to eight singers from age 14 who want to develop their singing ability further. The older scholarships 19+ are particularly suitable for music college students, young professional singers and those aspiring to university choral scholarships. Scholars are generally appointed from September-July but other opportunities might also arise and these will be advertised.
Scholars are welcome to apply for additional years if they would like. In the event of reasonable planned absence, it is possible for older Choral Scholars to book deputies. Deputies must be approved by the Organist & Choirmaster and the honorarium will be suitably adjusted.
As a St Alban’s choral scholar, you will:
We will expect you:
Our Organist and Choir Director, Wyn Hyland, will be delighted to assist scholars who want to pursue singing further, especially those who may wish to apply for choral awards at university.
Wyn hails from Cardigan, and was educated at Chetham's Music School, Wadham College, Oxford and the Royal College of Music. Credits include recitals in Asia, Bolivia, Uganda, Australia and New Zealand, concertos at the Royal Festival Hall, St David's Hall and BBC Maida Vale and Musical Director on the European tours of Cabaret and Guys and Dolls. He has worked with Welsh National Opera, performed on Woman's Hour, was Assistant Musical Director on The Music Man at Chichester, appeared on Last Choir Standing with the winning choir Only Men Aloud, and has worked in the West End with Chicago. Wyn was appointed Musical Director of the Gwalia Male Choir in 2018.
You should have some choral experience, a clear and confident singing voice and at least some sight-singing ability. You do not need currently to be having singing lessons. Enthusiasm for singing as a member of a team, together with a willingness to develop their musical talent, will be key factors in the appointment of our choral scholars.
Scholarships will be awarded after an audition: ideally before the end of July 2023. If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to perform a prepared solo piece and undertake sight-reading, aural tests and a short interview. Please indicate which dates you will be available on the application form.
If you are interested, please complete and return your application form and covering letter as soon as possible to Wyn Hyland.