Allison McCallum and McKenzie Pickett, 2024 Canon Ron McEntire Choral Scholars at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, are pictured with Loren Masaanque, the church’s current minister of music.

The inaugural class of Canon Ron McEntire Choral Scholars will perform today at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

The group was created in memory of McEntire, the longtime St. Luke’s minister of music. The inaugural class of scholars includes Jamestown High School sophomore Allison McCallum and JHS junior McKenzie Pickett, who are wrapping their year with an Evensong that showcases what they have learned. The Choral Scholars Evensong will feature a prelude from McEntire recorded on the consul while he was still alive and feature music from the Renaissance to modern musical theater.

Commemorating Ascension Day, when the church remembers Christ’s ascent to a different reality, St. Luke’s is using the day to remember McEntire even as his legacy lives on with the next generation of musicians.

The Choral Scholars have been very busy this term, serving as members of the choir on Sundays, taking weekly lessons in voice with. Loren Masanque, the current St. Luke’s Minister of music, and training in Early Childhood Music Development by conducting the children’s choir.

“Throughout my time with Loren I was able to enjoy singing again and find an interest in different genres of music that I didn’t even know existed. I learned so much about singing and being professional that I can now use in many aspects of my life,” McCallum said.

Canon Ron McEntire Choral Scholars receive free weekly voice lessons with Mr. Masanque (an estimated value of $2,250), sing in the liturgical parish choir, have opportunities for solo singing in liturgy and out, receive training in children’s musical pedagogy, and upon completion receive a $250 honorarium. Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 year.

“While taking voice lessons, I have also learned that it is perfectly OK to sing out and be who I am through my singing,” Pickett said. “I have been able to come out of my shell while singing, and connect with God through it, all while learning how to make my singing even better than it was.”

The Choral Evensong is free and open to the public. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 410 North Main Street, at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, Jamestown. For questions or more information, call the church office at 716-483-6405 or email Masanque at loren.masanque@stlukesjamestown.org