Nathaniel Dett Fellowship
St. Martin’s Chamber Choir is thrilled to announce a new and exciting opportunity to help accelerate the careers of musicians from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented. We aim to remove barriers to ensure every musician and singer can have their voice heard.
The SMCC Nathaniel Dett Fellowship provides an opportunity for African American, Latin American, Asian American, and Native American singers early in their musical career to sing with Colorado’s only year-round, fully professional choir. The fellowship is named after the Canadian-American Black composer, Nathaniel Dett, who was a prominent choral director and composer. Fellowship activities will include performing with St. Martin’s, private lesson opportunities, audition preparation, and more.
Program eligibility includes singers coming from populations that are historically underrepresented, including African American, Latin American, Asian American, and Native American backgrounds. Singers need to be at least 17 years of age.
Program Components
- Perform in a minimum of two concert series with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir
- SMCC singer mentorship
- Private lesson opportunities
- Audition preparation guidance
- Opportunities to participate in SMCC Education and Outreach events
- Fellows will receive a minimum $400 per concert series
- Fellows will receive equivalent pay rate as contracted singers for any Education and Outreach events
How to apply
Interested in applying? Please email a short (approximately one paragraph) letter of interest describing your musical background. Once received, we will reach out to set up a short interview and low-pressure audition.
Current Nathaniel Dett Fellow
Sovereign Walker is an undergraduate student at Metropolitan State University of Denver, pursuing degrees in Music Education and Music with a concentration in Composition. He has sung in church with his family since his early years and joined the choir world at Cherry Creek High School during his freshman year. Grateful for the gifts that God has given him, he is deeply honored and excited to be able to make music with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir.
Past Fellows
- Kass Bat-Itgel (2024-2025)
- Bianca Thomas (2023-2024)
- Alicia Irigoyen Pons (2022-2023)
