Sacred Music Scholarships at Hillsdale College
The Choral Scholars program at Hillsdale College offers musically talented and academically competitive students significant scholarship opportunities to participate in an elite choral ensemble. Hillsdale’s investment in sacred music is second to none, and our funding of choral scholarships is among the most generous in the nation.
The Choral Scholars form the core of the Hillsdale Chapel Choir—the resident ensemble of the College’s stunning new Christ Chapel. The Chapel Choir gives voice to the Christian roots of the College’s founding, and brings together students of various faith traditions “to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps. 96:6)
As a Choral Scholar, you will receive individualized, expert instruction in choral and musicianship skills that will prepare you for the high-level performance projects undertaken by the Chapel Choir. These opportunities include sung choral worship services in the Chapel as well as concert performances during the academic year. Moreover, the music that the choir performs represents the very best of the sacred choral tradition as well as challenging works by modern composers.
Choral Scholars awards are audition-based, but potential for growth and a desire to learn are more important than the extent of your musical background. If you are passionate about singing great music, the Choral Scholars program allows you to foster your creativity as you build skills to last a lifetime under the guidance of seasoned church musicians.
Can you imagine yourself in this environment, making great music while you build lifelong friendships? If so, register for an on-campus audition during the weekend of November 10-11 (alternative dates can be scheduled). Learn more about our audition process, Choral Scholar FAQs, and how to contact our faculty for more information.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHUREAudition Information
Our on-campus Choral Scholars audition weekend for prospective students is scheduled for November 10-11, 2023.
DEADLINE to register is November 1, 2023.
audition requirementsThe on-campus audition is essential for prospective students to experience Hillsdale at its best. It also provides an opportunity for students to witness the Choral Scholars in action. Prospective students will have the opportunity to interact with current students and professors, which is the best way to appreciate the program.
The Collegiate Choral Tradition
The Chapel Choir at Hillsdale College is steeped in a centuries-long tradition of collegiate chapels where sung services animated ancient learning communities in the pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful.
Christ Chapel
Inspired by the English church St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Philadelphia’s Christ Church, the 27,000-square-foot Christ Chapel was designed by classical architect Duncan Stroik, who has designed several sacred spaces in the United States, including St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in California and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin.
Director Profile
Timothy McDonnell, D.M.A.
Director of Sacred Music and Associate Professor of Music
A.B., Immaculata College, 1996
M.M., Yale University, 1999
D.M.A., University of South Carolina, 2002
