Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship

Syracuse Chorale believes in supporting young people as they move forward with their education. This $600 scholarship is awarded to a Central New York high school senior with an anticipated graduation date of June 2024 who plans to continue participation in musical activities after high school graduation, including choral singing. Chorale has given the competitive annual award since 2005 as a way to encourage young musicians to participate in community arts programs as adults. We will be awarding two $600 scholarships in 2024.  

Click here to download the 2024 application or email scholarship@syracusechorale.org for more info.  Application instructions can be found here
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Scholarship Winners 2024

Michael Batkin, a 2024 graduate of Nottingham High School, has been named a recipient of Syracuse Chorale’s 2024 Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship. Michael, the son of Paul Batkin and Lyn Blanchfield (a chorale member for five years), plans to major in
“Music, Sound and Culture” at Tufts University in Boston. This major combines the study of many disciplines of music, including composition, cultural studies, ethnomusicology, performance, psychology, technology, and theory and many varieties of music, including classical, popular, international, and film. At Nottingham, Michael has excelled at both
academics -- earning college credit for 7 SUPA courses and music as a tenor/baritone in choir and a baritone saxophonist in jazz and classical bands. He also had roles in the school musical productions of Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, and Bye-Bye Birdie. Michael participated as a vocal and instrumental soloist at NYSSMA and other regional
school music festivals. In addition to musical training, Michael also studied dance (ballet,
jazz, modern, and tap) for several years at Syracuse School of Dance.

Outside of his involvement in school music performances, Michael has been recognized
for his scholastic achievements as a member of the National Honor Society and for serving as a mentor for incoming freshmen as a Nottingham Link Leader. He also has been a part of Seeds of Peace, a non-profit organization that helps people from conflict
regions learn peace-making skills. Michael’s music teacher, Eric Petit-McClure, attested to Michael’s passion and dedication for the arts and community, saying “Michael is a diligent and conscientious student. His academic performance reflects his commitment to excellence in all areas of his life. He possesses strong communication skills, a keen
intellect, and a genuine thirst for knowledge.”

We congratulate Michael Batkin on being awarded a Voices of Tomorrow scholarship.
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​Ava Tyler, a 2024 graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School has been named a recipient of Syracuse Chorale’s 2024 Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship. Ava, the daughter of Tiffany Tyler, plans to study Musical Theatre at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. A talented vocalist and performer, Ava has taken advantage of the many opportunities to showcase her talent in school and community performances over the past 5 years. As a student at CNS, Ava was a star performer in productions of Mamma Mia, Chicago, Guys & Dolls, and Mean Girls. In addition to her passion for musical theatre, Ava has performed at multiple community events including Syracuse Mets games, senior living communities, and churches. She has also studied piano and dance (ballet, tap, jazz, African and hip-hop) for several years Her dedication to music has resulted in several achievements including NYSSMA All-State and Area All-State choirs and placing first in multiple vocal competitions.

 Outside of the performance realm, Ava volunteers at St. Margaret’s church helping those in need as well as lending a helping hand to area schools’ music events. She has an undeniable passion for music and the arts and her resume speaks for itself. Gayle Ross, Ava’s teacher, commented, “Not only is Ava focused and centered on vocal performance, she is, in general, a centered and confident young woman…and a delightful and mutually supportive peer”. She also mentioned that in early May, Ava will be the featured soloist with the Auburn Chamber Orchestra, singing Adelle’s Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus.”

We congratulate Ava Tyler on being awarded a Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship


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Previous Scholarship Winners

2023 Winner: Elijah Gebers
2022 Winner: Zachary Barstow
2021 Winners: Rachel Maloney and Peyton Steele
2020 Winners: Rhiannon Riley and Daniel Emmos
2019 Winner: Emery Schramm
2018 Winner: Leah Mullen
2017 Winner: Aaron DuBois
2016 Winner: Christopher Van Gorder
​2015 Winner: Katherine Krebs