In August 2021, the music ministry at UPC inaugurated a new Choral Scholars Program as we welcomed three new UNC students to our chancel choir. A choral scholar is a college student sacred music intern who serves as a section leader in the choir. This is no new invention on our part–the concept of having choral scholars to help lead worship has its origins in the collegiate chapels of England and the tradition has since been adopted by churches across America. While choral scholars are traditionally voice majors, they may or may not have experience singing in a church setting so in addition to contributing their vocal leadership to our choir, they also have the opportunity to explore repertoire from the sacred canon in a liturgical context while growing other aspects of their musicianship. For their commitment to the church, a modest stipend is awarded to each choral scholar for their continued musical education.
Meet Our 2021-2022 Choral Scholars

Nuria Shin
Soprano
About Nuria
Nuria Shin is a junior double majoring in Voice Performance and Advertising/PR at UNC-Chapel Hill on scholarship. She is currently studying with Dr. Marc Callahan, Assistant Professor and Opera Director at UNC-CH. Her passion for creative storytelling has led her to combine her love of music with her interest in marketing. Before coming to UPC, Nuria was the Choral Scholar at the Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church. This fall, she’ll be singing the role of Ottavia in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea with the UNC Opera.

Carrina Macaluso
Mezzo-Soprano
About Carrina

Carson Gartner
Tenor