An Exciting New Opportunity – First Presbyterian Church is delighted to offer, for the first time, eight Choral Scholarships for the 2016/2017 year. These scholarship positions will serve as the core of each of the choir’s four vocal sections and supplement the church’s group of thirty dedicated volunteers.
Brief Church History – The congregation was organized in 1811 in present day downtown Franklin. In 1986, following a study on population growth and church development needs, the congregation voted to purchase a twelve acre tract on Franklin Road at Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway. The congregation’s fifth house of worship was dedicated in 1994, continuing a history of Reformed worship, Christian education, and local/world mission that now spans over two hundred years.
Congregational Mission Statement – Responding to God’s grace through Worship – Study and Service
Scholarship Details – The scholarship offers $1440.00 per semester (roughly divided into a 16 week period between the months of August to December and an additional one from January to May). Applicants are welcome from both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Scholarships are held up to a year, with an annual review. Scholarships are offered two per voice part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass). Scholar stipends are paid in two annual installments (one at the beginning of each semester). It is important that the potential scholars have relevant choral experience. Good sight-reading skills are essential for all scholars.
Scholarship Time Commitment – The time obligations for the scholars are as follows:
- One mid-week rehearsal on Wednesday evening
- Two Sunday morning services (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.) – each preceded by a rehearsal period. There is roughly a one hour break between the services (Starbucks is within an easy drive).
- Presentation at one additional choral event during the fall Advent/Christmas cycle and an additional one during the spring Lent/Easter cycle. Both of these events will be coordinated with the current academic calendar.
- Additionally, it is hoped that all scholars will make themselves available, as time allows, to become better acquainted with both members of the choir and the congregation.
Application Process and Requirements – Candidates do not need to have held a scholarship previously to apply, or need to have been part of a Presbyterian congregation. All candidates, regardless of background, are heartily encouraged to apply as we are committed to all policies of diversity and inclusion. Know that you are welcome among us.
- Audition – Sight-reading of a hymn from Glory to God – The Presbyterian Hymnal, 2013; sight-read an anthem excerpt such as The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams; sight-read simplified Anglican chant excerpt; brief aural skills test; and a brief conversation – total duration approximately 15 minutes. Be sure to bring your scholarship application to the audition.
- Application – State your interest in the scholarship program and request a scholarship application by emailing the Director of Music at . Fill out the application and request an audition day/time. Auditions will be held beginning in the month of August and continue until such time as all eight scholarship positions have been filled. It is hoped that this process will be completed by the first of September.
Questions? – If you have any further questions about the scholarship or the audition process, please feel free to email Michael Snoddy, the Director of Music at or call the Music Office at 615-794-5114-205. We look forward to hearing from you and encourage your application.
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