Choral Scholarships

The New Tottenham Singers are proud to offer four Jojo Choral Scholarships each year for new choristers, in memory of former chorister John ‘Jojo’ Sagoe (1960-2013), to commemorate his life and pay tribute to his proud contribution towards the choir during his lifetime.

The Jojo Choral Scholarships are open to singers of any voice (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) between the ages of 16-30, and from any social or ethnic background.

Here’s what Ruth Lynch, a former Jojo Sagoe scholar, has to say:

“Since joining the New Tottenham Singers I can only admire how much I’ve grown both in skill and as a person. Before joining the choir, I had a very limited background in singing and music however, have always had the desire to widen my knowledge in the area. When first stepping into the Bernie Grant Arts Centre I was filled with so many nerves, however, the choir were so welcoming and the family like feel put me in an instant state of comfort.

From joining the choir I have not only built up my repertoire, but have also learnt how to follow sheet music and identify symbols such as the Crotchet Rest (something I knew nothing of before).

This past year of my life in the choir has been amazing, and I feel incredibly privileged to have been taken in, and taken care of with such honesty and kindness from every member that makes up the choir. The Jojo Sagoe Scholarship is a prime example of why it is so important to encourage and involve young people in a professional environment, where they can both learn and progress as an individual.

The choir has been an integral part of my musical development, and I feel so heart broken to have to say goodbye to it during my time at drama school. I can only wish that in the future I can make a return, as I have loved every minute of it!”

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Scholarship applications

Scholarships are offered for one season, September-July, and the three choir terms per season are roughly in line with local school terms, with breaks for holiday at Easter, Summer and Christmas. Up to four scholarships for new choristers are available per season and existing scholars are welcome to reapply.

The scholars themselves should represent Jojo’s commitment to the choir in terms of attendance, and will be expected to reflect his love for the choir in terms of their positive attitude and contribution to the life of the organisation.

The qualities sought in prospective Jojo scholars are:

• Either an ability to read sheet music through traditional musical tuition, demonstrable ability to learn and retain melodic and harmonic musical lines by ear;
• A commitment to attend all weekly term-time Tuesday evening rehearsals, as well as occasional pre-arranged Saturday rehearsals, reasonable absences by arrangement with the Musical Director notwithstanding;
• An ability and willingness to support other members of the section during rehearsals and performances in addition to being a positive role model within the choir, both musically and in terms of attitude;
• The confidence and ability to hold the correct musical line, thus acting as a musical leader informally within the section where appropriate;
• Dedication to high-quality musical performance within a community and amateur context.

In return, the choir, its Directors and committee will:

• Waive all and any subscription fees for scholars;
• Provide all necessary sheet music free of charge;
• Cover all reasonable travel expenses for or provide transport to events and concerts on the rare occasions they occur outside of London;
• Cover all travel and accommodation costs or provide travel and accommodation for any concert tours or residential events within the UK or abroad;
• Provide the scholars with any educational advice or support they may require, and provide positive, supportive references or personal recommendations where appropriate.

If you would like further information please get in touch via email at scholarships@tottenhamsingers.com.

To download a PDF with full details click here.