The Key Chorale Student Scholar Leadership Program equips gifted high-school musicians with the training and real-world experience they need to excel at the college level and beyond. Aimed at students with exceptional musical aptitude who plan to continue their studies after graduation, the program upholds a minimum 3.0 GPA to foster both academic and artistic commitment. Nominees are recommended by their choir directors and then chosen through personal interviews and competitive auditions.
Once selected, Student Scholars participate in a full Key Chorale season—singing in concerts, attending master classes, and taking part in additional performance opportunities—all at no cost. Over time, the program has grown into a three-tiered internship that blends in-depth vocal technique and choral skills training with meaningful leadership experiences.
This program is made possible thanks to grants from Community Foundation of Sarasota County – Provided by John J. Weiss Memorial Fund, the Martha Leiter and Nancy Streetman Fund II, and the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund.
Program Highlights
- Private voice lessons with Key Chorale approved instructors. Key Chorale instructors give more than 140 hours of private instruction each season
- Each scholar is assigned a Key Chorale mentor for the season
- Student participation in rehearsals and performances of four major programs with professional orchestra and world-class soloists
- Opportunity to rehearse and perform under the baton of our professional conductor
- Coaching by our professionals on the business side of music, including auditions, resume writing, appearance, preparation, etc.
- Workshops and master classes with Key Chorale guest artists
- Participation in a “Soirée and Recital” showcasing solos and group numbers as the students perform in front of an intimate audience of Key Chorale supporters and other singers
- Free sheet music, gas cards for travel, waived administrative fee, performance apparel, music folder, name badge, and 2 season tickets for parents/family
- Leadership opportunities will be infused into the three-tiered internship program for students to gain confidence in expressing their ideas and creativity in the operation of a community organization. Students will be actively involved in leadership roles that may include organizational governance, strategic marketing, donor engagement and creative services.
Goals
- Inspire a lifelong love and even career in vocal music
- Build good citizens as well as good musicians
- Provide tools and experiences beyond the scope of what public school music programs can offer
“The collaboration between Maestro Caulkins and the Key Chorale with the Sarasota County schools is a unique and valuable resource. It is a relationship that fosters excellence and builds a connection that enables choir members from both groups and the community to experience a love of the many aspects of choral music. From the annual “Tomorrow Voices Today” festival to Cirque des Voix, the relationship is masterfully coordinated and motivated by Maestro Caulkins. He genuinely supports and encourages the high school directors in their individual choral programs and brings the groups together to provide unique musical experiences.”
– Kirby Sanders, Sarasota High School Choral Director
Student Scholar Masterclasses
Guest artists are invited each year to work with our talented Student Scholars in preparation for their group and solo pieces at the end of the season. Stage Presence Workshops teach the students ways to feel more confident in front of a group, tips for auditions, and so much more! It’s always a great learning experience for all of those involved.
“It is truly awe-inspiring to stand next to great talent and experience a total transformation of the voice based on a quick note or a simple physical demonstration. This is the experience I shared with my Key Chorale Voice Teacher Joe Caulkins during our voice lessons over the past few months and was reinforced and accelerated in the Masterclass with Mary Wilson and Kyle Ferrill. Kyle Ferrill emphasized the value of a good breath, as well as his teaching on the role of articulation and stylization in a musical piece. This spoke volumes to me. The brilliance of Kyle Ferrill’s voice lessons were that they were applicable not just to singing, but to life in general.”
– Zachary Kronenwetter, Key Chorale Student Scholar 2019-2022
Student Scholar Auditions – 2025-2026 Season
Saturday, September 13, 2025
9 AM – 4 PM
“…But what impressed me most of all, is the love, care and support our students get! Be it a quick hug or a chat on the phone, recommendations for college, assistance with finding scholarships or time to record audition material – you guys are ALWAYS there and go out of your way to make things happen.”
– Heike Brown, Student Scholar Parent
Key Chorale Student Scholar Interns
2024-2025 Season
Makenna Mamazza
Evelyn Ortega
Caden Vogt
Matthew Crawford
Alexandra Guiler
Lauren Haggard
Skylar Jandula
Hannah Williamson
Ella Alley
Bryce Jandula
River Rogers
Tara Schroeder
Grant Miller
Sophia Cano
“Being in Key Chorale has given me so much opportunity for individual growth in my singing, as well as the ability to interact with others at various points in their musical lives. These experiences give me knowledge I can pass on to the students I work with in my school choir, where I am an active leader.”
– Madison Martin, Key Chorale Student Scholar 2016-2018
Winner of Chorus America’s 2020 Award for Education and Community Engagement
