White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, a PC(USA) congregation, strives to worship, embrace, and serve in the manner of Christ. WMPC’s 4000+ members support a broad diversity of mission and ministry locally, nationally, and internationally, including campus ministry. The church has a long history of vibrant music ministry for all ages.
The Choral Scholar program at WMPC is an outreach ministry investing in the lives and careers of young musicians in training. The Choral Scholars are funded appointments given to degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students (or recent graduates) from music departments of any of our colleges or universities in the region. WMPC Choral Scholars will have the opportunity to work with professional and volunteer musicians on a weekly basis, gaining further proficiency in sight-reading, vocal leadership, and choral experience in a church setting.
The responsibilities of the Choral Scholar are as follows:
- Sing as a section leader in the choir for weekly Sunday service, generally at 11:00 a.m., occasionally at 9:30 a.m.
- Attend weekly Thursday rehearsal, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
- Thoroughly practice and prepare music for rehearsals and services
- Offer occasional vocal solos in worship
- Participate in community-building opportunities as able, and thoughtfully invite/recruit colleagues to sing in the choir
Choral Scholars may also take advantage of
- Complimentary use of the WMPC sanctuary and facilities for degree recitals, dependent on availability
- Opportunities to sing for weddings and funerals (for additional compensation)
WMPC also hopes that involvement in its music program will provide a supportive community outside of school where scholars can network and form meaningful relationships with other students and working professionals in the area.
SCHEDULE
Choral Scholar appointments are for the academic year and returning students may be encouraged to reapply for renewal. WMPC realizes that in promoting a healthy balance between work and rest, students should be allowed the flexibility of having time off for Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring break. Choral Scholars will sing for Sundays and their accompanying Thursday evening rehearsals during the program year, September-May. There are usually two Saturday rehearsals each year for major works.
2024 Fall Semester: September 5 – December 22
Two weeks off: 1) November 24/28 (Thanksgiving); 2) your fall break
NOTE – Sunday evening rehearsal: Nov 10, 7-8:15pm;
Saturday rehearsal: Dec 7, 10 a.m. – noon
2024-25 Christmas Break: December 23, 2024 – January 4, 2025
2025 Spring Semester: January 5 – May 18
Two weeks off: 1) Feb 9 (Youth Sunday); 2) your spring break
COMPENSATION
For their time and investment in the music program at WMPC, Choral Scholars will receive a stipend for committed attendance to agreed-upon rehearsals and services at the rate of $40 per call. A call constitutes one showing for a rehearsal, or Sunday morning for service (roughly $80/week). Choral Scholars will receive monthly payment via direct deposit. Choral Scholars outside of Raleigh may request additional compensation for mileage up to $24 per week. Carpooling is encouraged.
ABSENCES
The necessity to miss a rehearsal or Sunday morning service due to illness or extenuating circumstances should be communicated whenever possible. For absences other than illness or scheduled break time away, the Choral Scholar is requested to find their own substitute. When the Choral Scholar can find an appropriate substitute for reasons of illness or a planned absence, compensation will be redirected to the alternate.
APPLY
To get more information or to submit your application, please contact: khomdrom@whitememorial.org
Kirsten Homdrom
Associate Director of Music
White Memorial Presbyterian Church
1704 Oberlin Road Raleigh NC 27608
919-834-3425 x 223
khomdrom@whitememorial.org
www.whitememorial.org