Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Ministry Offers Scholarships for 2021
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation Ministry is pleased to once again offer eight (8) Frank Desby and Xenia Anton Desby Memorial Music Scholarships of up to $500 each for Metropolis church musicians in 2021.
These scholarships are yet another way for the Metropolis Music Ministry to continue to support church musicians and their parishes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As our musicians prepare to return to their lofts and soleas, we want to make it possible for them to strengthen their musical skills and understanding by obtaining education and training in singing, chanting, and conducting with qualified professional instructors to continue to serve their Greek Orthodox parishes.
Scholarship recipients from 2020 offered these reflections on their experience:
- Spending more time with the liturgical music of our Church increased a sense of prayerfulness in my home.
- The opportunity to study the music of our church through a new lens was made possible through this scholarship. Being able to unfold the distinctions between our church hymns and most choral compositions in our society made me aware of the truly intricate, yet beautiful and simple nature of our church’s melodies
- Scholarships, such as this one, can provide more value than the mere dollar amount of the scholarship. I would encourage anyone interested in growing in their music ministry, to apply for this scholarship.
- I had never received formal voice instruction prior to receiving the Desby Scholarship, and voice lessons contributed to my improvement as a musician and also helped my confidence in singing. Previously, I had only sung as a group member of my church choir, but my voice instructor patiently worked with me through various vocal warm ups and church hymns, and now I sing solos and duets in church.
Applications will be accepted from June 15, 2021 with a deadline of August 15, 2021. Guidelines and Application Forms are available now, and also posted online at www.sfchurchmusic.org. For more information, please contact: [email protected].
