Choral Scholar Program

This summer, be part of an elite, auditioned group of 32 high school and college singers, working alongside professional singers from the VOCES8 US Scholars Program! The Choral Scholars Program is part of our annual Summer Choral Festival, which will be held from
July 12 - July 20, 2025.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Singers who have completed 9th grade through a senior in college, or who have just graduated from college this term.

Strong preference will be given to those who participate in school choral ensembles, as teacher recommendations figure greatly in the selection process.

HOW MANY SLOTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Up to twelve high school scholars and twelve college scholars will be accepted, balanced among soprano, alto, tenors, and basses.

WHAT DOES BEING A CHORAL SCHOLAR INVOLVE?
Choral Scholars will :

  • Participate in the large festival chorus, preparing and performing this summer’s major work.

  • Form a Scholars Chamber Chorus, which will rehearse and perform other repertoire during the course of the week.  

  • Participate in all scheduled rehearsals during the festival week.

  • Receive free registration to the festival.

Choral Scholars MUST: 

  • Come to the first rehearsal with music already learned. 

  • Attend ALL scholar and festival chorus rehearsals during the course of the week. 

Choral Scholars may:

  • Participate in all of the extra educational sessions during the course of the festival.

Choral Scholar Schedule

Friday, July 11 | 6:30 pm
Informal Scholars’ Rehearsal/Social

Saturday, July 12 | 2:00 - 5:00pm
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Sunday, July 13 | 2:00 - 5:00pm
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Monday, July 14 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Monday, July 14 | 6:30 - 9:30pm
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Tuesday, July 15 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Wednesday, July 16 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Wednesday, July 16 | 6:30 - 9:30pm
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Thursday, July 17 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Friday, July 18 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Friday, July 18
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Saturday, July 19 | 10:00 - 11:30am
Scholars Chorus Rehearsal

Saturday, July 19 | 2:00 -5:00pm
Festival Chorus Rehearsal

Sunday, July 20 | 12:30pm Call Time for 3:00pm Festival Concert

All rehearsals are at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

How to Apply

FILL OUT THE FORM
Fill out the form (click the APPLY NOW button below). Include a link to a YouTube audition video and a teacher recommendation. 

APPLICATION FEE
There is a nonrefundable $25 application fee. If you are not selected to be a scholar, you will receive a discounted registration to the festival, and we hope you’ll participate in the festival chorus.

INCLUDE IN YOUR AUDITION VIDEO

  • Your name, age, and where you are in school. 

  • One or two selections that show off your range and tone. (One is fine; there's no obligation to sing two, but it's OK if you do.) 

  • Selections can be accompanied or a cappella. Either is fine.

  • Please upload the video to YouTube. (We recommend classifying it as "unlisted.") Then, include the link to the video in the appropriate line on your application form.