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 three 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 $100 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.
2024-25 Nathaniel Dett Fellow
Kass Bat-Itgel is an undergraduate student at MSU Denver pursuing a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Composition, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry on the side. She has sung in choirs since high school, also in that time doing her own share of musical theatre, and currently sings with MSU Denver Chorale in addition to her fellowship this year. An avid musician and music theorist, Kass is thoroughly enjoying her opportunity to experience singing in a professional setting and performing with SMCC.
Past Fellows
- Bianca Thomas (2023-2024)
- Alicia Irigoyen Pons (2022-2023)
