Diocese of Chichester

Dean awards music scholarship

Alexander Wakeford, a music pupil at Battle Abbey School has become the first beneficiary of the St. Mary's Church Organ Scholarship.

On 17 feb 2022

In Diocese of Chichester

By communications

This new scholarship has been set up by the Dean of Battle, Revd Lee Duckett.

The award gives the opportunity for a pupil to receive outstanding tuition from the renowned organist, Travis Baker, on the St. Mary’s Church organ.

The award winner will also have the opportunity to play for Choral Evensong and other school and church events.

In addition, there will also be visits to Chichester Cathedral to learn about Cathedral liturgy and music with the opportunity for the Scholar to shadow the current Cathedral organist.

The scholarship is awarded annually and can only be held by one recipient in any year with auditions taking place in the autumn.

The Dean said he was delighted to offer this scholarship as a new initiative between Battle Abbey School and St Mary’s.

He said: “We hope this will encourage others to come forward and apply in future, giving them an opportunity to work with the very talented Travis Baker. I hope this may provide a progressive path to an organ scholarship at an Oxbridge university or music college in the future.”

Photo caption: Organist Travis Baker, Alexander Wakeford, Director of music at Battle Abbey school Mrs Lucinda Sheppard and Revd Lee Duckett, Vicar St Mary Battle.