Previously known as The Burnt Hills Oratorio Society
The Power of Singing

Vocal Scholarship Program

About the Saratoga Voices Vocal Scholarship Program

Every year Saratoga Voices Inc. (SV), formerly known as Burnt Hills Oratorio Society Inc. (BHOS), awards vocal scholarships to two local high school seniors. The SV Vocal Scholarship Program was started in 1998 by its Artistic Director at the time, Rand Reeves, and has become fundamental to Saratoga Voices’ mission to promote choral singing in the community.

Applicants need not be planning a career in music, but the scholarships are intended to facilitate the continued study of singing in undergraduate institutions. The winners will also have an opportunity to perform in a future Saratoga Voices concert.

Over 50 scholarships have been awarded over the years. One winner became a national opera star, and many others have enjoyed professional solo careers. Saratoga Voices is proud to showcase their talent on a regular basis.

Saratoga Voices Mission Statement

Saratoga Voices embraces the choral arts within a vibrant, collaborative, and skill-nurturing environment, striving for excellence in choral performances, including diverse artists and audiences to share the joy and power of singing.

“If it involves singing, we love to do it”
Dr. William Jon Gray, Former Artistic Director, Saratoga Voices

Awards

First place $1,500
Second place $1,000

The winners shall provide to Saratoga Voices the address of the college or university program to which they have been accepted. The scholarships will be forwarded, in their names, directly to the institutions.

What Do I Sing?

  • Applicants will perform two selections. One work shall be from the current NYSSMA Manual level 6 (or a similar work adhering to those requirements) from the classical music repertoire. The other work shall be the student’s choosing (musical theater selections are allowed, but not commercialized music).
  • Applicants must perform the works by memory.
  • Applicants must provide their own accompanist. Taped accompaniments are not allowed.

How are the winners determined?

  • The applicants will be judged by two adjudicators who are professionals in the school music industry.
  • The applicants will be judged on a points basis, using criteria similar to those used by the NYSSMA solo adjudications.
  • Points will be tabulated following the last applicant and the winners will be determined shortly thereafter.
  • Applicants will be notified on the same day of the competition.
  • All singers will receive their adjudicated performance assessment, including strengths and recommendations, regardless of their winning status.

Have questions

Please contact the committee at

  • (518) 416-4060
  • students@saratogavoices.org

Previous Vocal Scholarship Winners

NameYear
Maria Sablich2022
Shea DeWan2022
Maxwell Novik2022
Theodore Van de Ven IV2021
Brigid Mack2021
Zachary Simpson2020
Alexa Rahman2020
Sophie Mathis2019
Abigail Evans2019
Phoebe Reuther2018
Nicholas Conti2018
Alicia Esposito2017
Marissa Scotti2017
Kaeli Heffner2016
Marissa Scotti2016
Emily Martin2015
Jacob O’Shea2015
Ashley Marie Rickson2014
Nicole Rizzo2014
Joseph Davila2013
Lauren Silberstein2013
Rebecca Iris Rogers2012
Alexandra Rizzo2012
Dan Lyng2011
Kara Cregin2011
Margaret VanNorden2010
John Leighton2010
Margaret Flanigan2009
Sean Teeter2009
Rhiannon LaCrosse2008
Siddharth Dubey2008
Laura MacAvoy2007
Alexander Turpin2007
Emily Foster2006
Leila Gheiter2006
Trevor Strader2005
Mary Kate vom Lehn2005
Elizabeth Picker2004
Jesse Conti2004
Peter Marler2003
Julie Norman2003
Emalie Savoy2002
Hannah Lewis2002
Julie Giguere2001
Joanna Koslowsky2001
Laura Puzio2000
Patrice Godshalk2000
McCaela Curran1999
Laura Longe1999
John Bragle1998
Rebecca Minor1998
This is a complete list of singers who have been awarded a vocal scholarship from Saratoga Voices / Burnt Hills Oratorio Society since the scholarship was created in 1998.
Click to read about previous Vocal Scholarship winners

What are people saying about Saratoga Voices!

"I have worked with the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society [now Saratoga Voices] since 1984 from the tenure of Glenn Soellner to its [current] director...

I have been concertmaster of the orchestra for most of that time, as well as contractor. The passion and enthusiasm for singing the chorus displays is both contagious and delightful. Under the leadership of Dr. Gray and Derek Stannard the quality of singing continues to refine, and it's a joy to make music with the group. Dr. Gray's leadership a few seasons ago of Haydn's Creation was one of the highlights of my many years of orchestral playing. Here is wishing BHOS an incredible next 50!!"

Ann Marie Schwartz Director, Musicians Of Ma'alwyck

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