scholarship
Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship
Melody Claire is the oldest child of Founding Artistic Director Janey Ryan. She was tragically killed in a car accident in 1996 at the age of 16. Melody was a musician – both a singer and flautist – in her high school. Her hobbies included reading, art, and the culinary arts. Her dream was to attend the University of North Texas and become a teacher. Susan Dubois, a chorus member and donor, first funded the scholarship in Melody’s name. Ms. Ryan is humbled and honored to know that Melody will be remembered in this way. 2027 will be the 11th year this scholarship is being offered to an aspiring musician.
SoCo Women’s Chorus proudly awards an annual $3,000 scholarship to support Austin area students with a treble voice (soprano or alto) pursuing post-secondary education in vocal music. This scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting and promoting vocal music education for treble singers in our community.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be:
A current resident of Austin, Texas, or the surrounding area;
A high school senior who has been accepted to, or is planning to enroll in, a post-secondary program with a focus on vocal music; or
Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program with a focus on vocal music.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE $3,000 AWARD
Submit:
Completed scholarship application (opening October 2026)
One letter of reference
Vocal performance sample
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PARTICIPATION
The scholarship recipient will be recognized by SoCo Women’s Chorus and invited to participate in a SoCo Women’s Chorus performance. The Spring 2027 concerts will be held May 15 and 16 at First Austin Church.
Recipients are invited, but not required, to perform during one or both performances. If a recipient chooses to participate, the rehearsal commitment will be kept as minimal and accessible as possible. Additional details will be discussed with the scholarship recipient.
KEY DATES:
Application Opens: October 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Recipient Announced: April 1, 2027
Concert dates: May 15 and 16, 2027
Rehearsal dates: May 11 and 13, 2027
2025 Scholarship recipienT
Congratulations, Barbara White! Barbara is the recipient of the 2025 Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship. After graduating from high school, she plans to attend Texas State University as one of the first students to bring a vocal focus to the university’s jazz program. You can learn more about Barbara’s musical journey on Instagram.
“Receiving a scholarship from SoCo Women’s Chorus made it possible for me to take part in an experience that truly shaped me as a young musician. Their investment in my growth not only gave me the opportunity to perform alongside an inspiring community of women, but also strengthened my confidence and commitment to pursuing music.” - Barbara White
2024 Scholarship recipienT
Congratulations, Abigail Lewis! Abigail is the recipient of the 2024 Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship. After graduating from high school, she is pursuing her passion for music through studies in Vocal Performance and Composition at the University of North Texas. You can learn more about Abigail’s musical journey on her website, Instagram and YouTube.
2023 Scholarship recipienT
Congratulations, Sidney Edwards Weaver! Sidney was the recipient of the 2023 Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship. After graduating from high school in 2023, she is pursuing her passion for music through studies at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas.
2022 Scholarship recipienT
Congratulations, Katelyn Segarra! Katelyn was the recipient of the 2022 Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship. She is attending Texas State University as a Vocal Performance major. You can read more about her here.
2021 Scholarship recipienT
Congratulations, Sophia Lopez! Sophia was the recipient of the 2021 Melody Claire Hall Voice Scholarship. She attended Texas State University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
