Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form student wins Cambridge University Choral Scholarship

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Published on 11/05/21

William Sidney-Roberts offered Choral Scholarship at renowned university

William Sidney-Roberts, a student at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, has been offered a Choral Scholarship at Cambridge University, starting this September. Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form is part of the Inspiration Trust, a family of schools based in Norfolk and Suffolk committed to ensuring every child has the best education possible.

William has been singing since he was nine years old and has been taught by his singing teacher Sam Coe at the Wharf Music Academy in Norwich. He is currently preparing for his Grade 8 exam, which he is due to take this summer. 

He was invited to audition for a Choral Scholarship by Cambridge University after being offered a place to study Mathematics at King’s College earlier this year. He was awarded the Scholarship by Emmanuel College and will sing in Emmanuel College’s Chapel. 

The auditions involved singing pre-prepared pieces and attending three interviews with different colleges, all of which took place online due to the lockdown. Auditioning from home came with its own challenges, with William at one point auditioning in the downstairs bathroom to get the right acoustic effect! 

Cambridge Choral Scholarship-holders receive a small financial award each year, as well as subsidies towards singing lessons, subsidised meals in formal hall each week, and all of their expenses paid on choir tours in the UK and overseas. As part of the Scholarship, William will be required to attend weekly rehearsals and sing in the choir’s weekly services and annual events. As a member of Kings College, he will also have the opportunity to sing in King’s College Chapel with the King’s Voices Choir.

William Sidney-Roberts said: 
“I didn’t really expect to get a choral scholarship, as I knew there is lots of competition. So, I’m really excited about singing in Emmanuel College chapel in their services and on their annual tours. Emmanuel College has a beautiful chapel which was built by Sir Christopher Wren, so it will be a fantastic place to sing.”

 

Chris Jennings, Principal at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, said: 
“Congratulations to William on this fantastic achievement, we are all so pleased for him! This Scholarship is the result of nine years of hard work and regular practice, and it is well deserved for his commitment to his craft. This is only the beginning for William, and I look forward to seeing him go onto even greater things.”