Choral Scholars Program
“Lift Every Voice”
A Special Invitation to Bay Area High School Singers
“Lift Every Voice” is a new initiative to renew Noe Valley Church’s worship life by linking ancient liturgical tradition (An Evensong series cultivating contemplative spirituality), emerging musical leadership (a Choral Scholars Program inviting gifted Bay Area high-school singers into worship leadership), and creative digital storytelling. These elements will converge in several monthly gatherings that promote deeper congregational participation and form a new generation of musical and liturgical leaders whose work reverberates through our neighborhood and city.
The Noe Church Choral Scholars Program is a semester-long, scholarship-supported opportunity for high school students to participate in the musical and worship life of Noe Church. Choral Scholars sing regularly at monthly Evensong services, gaining experience making music in a vibrant liturgical setting while developing strong musicianship and leadership skills. This experience is intended to support students’ musical growth and prepare them to use their gifts in future artistic and vocational pursuits. There will also be additional compensated opportunities for musical leadership at Sunday worship services throughout the semester.
Choral Scholars participate in the preparation and musical leadership of Noe Church’s Evensong services, which are part of “Lift Every Voice,” a new initiative that expands Evensong into a year-long series of Monday evening worship gatherings centered on scripture, prayer, song, and contemplative worship practices. Lift Every Voice is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (Grand Rapids, Michigan), with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
This opportunity is open to four to six qualified high school singers in grades 10–12, across all voice parts (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass). Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Strong vocal ability and musicianship
- Confident sight-reading skills
- A collaborative spirit
- The ability to prepare and perform sacred music with professionalism
The Fall 2026 scholarship period will run from August through December. Each Choral Scholar will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the semester, to be paid in two $500 installments in October and December.
For more information, please contact Dara Phung, Music Director, at dara@noechurch.org.
- Applications due on Tuesday, June 30; interviews throughout the following week.
- Monday, August 10 (5:30–7:00pm) – Orientation and Rehearsal
- Monday, August 10 (7:00–7:45pm) – Evensong Rehearsal & Service
- Monday, September 14 (6:00–7:45pm) – Evensong Rehearsal & Service
- Monday, October 19 (6:00–7:45pm) – Evensong Rehearsal & Service
- Monday, November 9 (6:00–7:45pm) – Evensong Rehearsal & Service
- Monday, December 14 (6:00–7:45pm) – Evensong Rehearsal & Service
- Additional compensated opportunities for musical leadership at Sunday worship throughout the semester, including Christmas Eve choir rehearsal on Monday, December 21 (7:00-8:30pm) and Christmas Eve service on Thursday, December 24 (3:30–5:00pm).
- Attendance at all rehearsals and worship services listed in “Timeline” is required. Any absences must be approved in advance by the Director of Music.
- All rehearsals and services take place at Noe Valley Church (1021 Sanchez St, San Francisco).
- Participants are expected to arrive on time, prepare music independently before rehearsals, and conduct themselves with professionalism and respect.
- Dinner will be provided at all Evensong rehearsals.
- Please note that all Evensong and Sunday worship services are livestreamed and recorded to be shared publicly as worship resources.
Seeking a More Inclusive and Expansive Faith
Some words that describe our aspirations as a community: welcoming, affirming, kind, creative, justice-oriented, Christ-like, open to new ideas, humble about what we don’t know, committed to learning, faithful to our Reformed past, loving God and our neighbors. If this sounds like the kind of community you’d like to be part of, join us at 10:30 am on Sundays at 1021 Sanchez St.