Scholarships

The Spotsylvanians were founded in December 2002 by Mr. Robert E. Estes, a music teacher in Connecticut public schools for 33 years. After retiring in 1985, Mr. Estes founded Durham Chorale in Durham, North Carolina, which he conducted for 15 years prior to his move to Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The Spotsylvanians’ first concert was at the Courtland High School graduation ceremony in June 2003. Since then, the chorus has continued to perform concerts for the Rappahannock-area community, providing affordable, quality musical entertainment that enlightens, educates and acquaints the community with the history and variety of choral music. This scholarship is in memory of the legacy left by Mr. Estes.

The Spotsylvanians will award two college-bound high school seniors with a one-time scholarship. The award amounts are $1,500 to a graduating senior who is a current member of The Spotsylvanians (and has been for at least two consecutive seasons); and $500 to a graduating senior residing in Spotsylvania County.  Students may be attending public, private or home schools; however, applicants must be planning to pursue further education in the many fields of music. The scholarship is competitive.

The award is decided by a committee of members of the chorus and is based on the student’s responses to the questions included in the application. Grammar, spelling and presentation are considered, in addition to the answers to the questions. There is the possibility that the committee may decide to personally interview the finalists.

All applications and supporting materials are accepted January 1st through March; but must be postmarked no later than March 31. If the application is not complete or if any supporting documentation is missing, the student may be disqualified. The award is announced each year in late April. It is expected that the winner will attend The Spotsylvanians’ spring concert to publicly receive the award and may be invited to perform a selection at the concert.