Sing. Belong. Grow.
Shepherd Choral Scholars at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
Vestavia Hills Baptist Church is thrilled to offer scholarships to local college and graduate students who sing in our adult choir. If you’re a strong singer who’s looking for meaningful music-making, a supportive community, and real-world experience in worship and leadership, we’d love to meet you.
Interested? Reach out to Marty Watts, Minister of Music at marty@vhbc.com.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship singers receive $1,200 per semester (August–December and January–May). Funds are sent directly to the student’s school.
Unlike programs that pay per rehearsal or per service, the Shepherd Scholarship is not reduced when students occasionally miss due to academic demands. We understand that college schedules are real, and we aim to offer flexibility while still inviting students into consistent participation.
The Shepherd Choral Scholar Fund
The Shepherd Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 in memory of Dr. Betty Sue Shepherd (1929–2007), who served as organist at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church for 38 years and was later named Organist Emeritus and Artist in Residence. A gifted musician and teacher, Dr. Shepherd devoted her life to nurturing students and sharing music as an offering of worship.
The scholarship fund reflects those same values by supporting college and graduate students who share their musical gifts in the worship and life of the church. The fund is sustained each year through the Shepherd Memorial Concert, which celebrates sacred music while investing in the next generation of musicians.
What Singing Looks Like at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
Our adult choir (Sanctuary Choir) is part of a worship service that is best described as traditional/liturgical. The choir wears robes, sings from a hymnal, and is often accompanied by pipe organ. Our repertoire includes music in the classical tradition, Gospel, and newly composed sacred music.
Weekly schedule:
Wednesday rehearsal: 7:00 p.m.
Sunday worship: 10:00 a.m. (warm-up at 9:40 a.m.)
Why Students Love This Program
“The Shepherd Scholarship has been a great financial and personal help to me as I have gone through my academic journey at Samford. The Shepherd Scholarship helped a lot to make sure I could comfortably afford to attend, but more importantly I was able to meet people who helped me find my footing in a place far away from my family. At times when I was struggling I always had people I could talk to. As a choir member I love the beautiful music we make together and the sense of community when we meet and rehearse. This program has been a very positive experience for me and I hope that future Shepherd Scholars will be able to have similar experiences.”
— Hooper Hammond, current Shepherd Choral Scholar“Being in the Sanctuary Choir at VHBC means a lot to me. The caring spirit and loving atmosphere make me feel blessed to share my gift with other gifted believers. I am more than privileged to have the opportunity.”
— Kazarious Brown, current Shepherd Choral Scholar“I have so enjoyed learning such great music in a church community, and I am thankful to have a multi-generational church family while in college. It has been a blessing to have a constant in my life as a college student to interact with such caring people on a weekly basis at VHBC!”
— Milly Criswell, current Shepherd Choral ScholarOpportunities Beyond Singing
For students who want additional experience in music and worship, we’re glad to provide opportunities as interest and availability allow. These can include:
Rehearsing and/or conducting the choir (mentored, real-world experience)
Leadership opportunities with Children’s Choir
Participation in Handbell Choir
Opportunities for instrumentalists to contribute in worship and special services
Who Should Apply
You don’t need to be a music major. We’re looking for students who are strong singers, eager to participate in worship, and willing to be part of a choir that values both musical excellence and Christian community. If you can read music, learn efficiently, and show up with a good spirit, you’ll thrive at VHBC.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re interested in singing with us (or just want to ask a few questions), we’d love to hear from you. You’re also welcome to visit a rehearsal any time!
Contact: Marty Watts, Minister of Music
Email: marty@vhbc.com
Phone: 205-979-5920
FAQs
Do I have to be a music major?
1
No. We welcome eager musicians from any major.
No. An informal, relaxed conversation will get the ball rolling.
2
Is there an audition?
What if I have school rehearsals/performances some weeks and have to miss a rehearsal or worship service?
3
We provide generous flexibility to our choral scholars. Just let our leadership know ahead of time that you have to miss. Unlike other choral scholar programs that pay per rehearsal or per service, there’s no reduction in scholarship amount for absences.
The Music Suite at VHBC is located off the rear parking lot off Smyer Circle. The church address is 2600 Vestavia Drive but use 2710 Smyer Circle to navigate to the rear parking lot. The Music Suite entrance is under the brown awning.)