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Lou Sawyer & John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship

n 2009, the Virginia Beach Chorale established a scholarship in memory of Lou Sawyer, who passed away after leading our group for 28 years.  Lou also served as Music Supervisor for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system. and was a leaer in the Hampton Roads Arts community. After his passing, the VBC Board established the scholarship fund to help graduating seniors pursuing a degree in music.

In March 2025, we again lost a beloved Chorale family member, Dr. John Watters, Jr. John was a member of the Chorale for more than 20 years and someone who simply loved singing and creating harmony, both in music and in life. While we will miss his personality and voice, we know his spirit will be with us in every rehearsal and at every concert. In honor of John, his family and friends are joining with the Chorale in providing our annual scholarship.

 

The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,500.00, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

We are excited to announce that our scholarship will now be named the

“Lou Sawyer & John Watters, Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship”.

Lou Sawyer
&
John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship

The Virginia Beach Chorale is pleased to present the Lou Sawyer & John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship.

This annual scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating high school senior from the Hampton Roads area who has been accepted by a college or university and plans to major in music. Your contribution allows us to continue Mr. Sawyer's and Dr. Watters' legacies through music education.

Applicant Information

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Please contact JR Thornton at scholarship@virginiabeachchorale.org if you have any questions.

  Cover Letter            Application

Aubrey "Lou" Sawyer

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Mr. Sawyer led the Chorale from 1980-2008; he was recognized as a leader in music education in the Hampton Roads Arts Community as Music Supervisor in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system.

Dr. John Watters

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Dr. Watters was a respected medical professional in Hampton Roads and a member of the Chorale's bass section for more than 20 years. He was a top supporter of the Lion's Club James Bland Music Scholarship competition.

2021 LOU SAWYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN MUSIC RECIPIENT

Scholarship
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Emily Coyle, Vocalist
Windsor High School, Isle of Wight, VA, Governor's School for the Arts, Norfolk, VA

Emily is a student who continues to grow and develop artistically and hopes to continue her development in her undergraduate program next year at East Carolina University.
 

Attending 2 separate high schools is quite demanding. A student must be organized, focused, extremely disciplined and able to manage his/her time. Emily's use of those skills have enabled her to maintain a 4.0 grade point average at Windsor High School and a 3.4 grade point average in her vocal music studies at the Governor's School for the Arts.
 

As a Mezzo Soprano Emily has performed Mahler Symphony Two during a side-by-side performance with James Madison University, The Messiah, Dido and Aneaus and The Marriage of Figaro. Furthermore, she has competed in several talent and vocal competitions receiving recognitions for her vocal abilities. 

 

Additionally, Emily exhibits the characteristics of a servant leader through her volunteer work with multiple organizations, including Sentara Obici Hospital as a Junior Volunteer, the Girl N Gowns program with All The Rage Gown Store, which is a campaign to promote positive self-esteem in high school-aged females, and through WHS's chapter of BETA, which engages in many opportunities to support the Special Olympics and other local needs each year she has been a student at Windsor High School. Emily also partnered with Isle of Wight County Public Schools this past spring when they were in need of volunteers to hand out food for families in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

David Thom

Viola

2010

Madison Bunch
 

Flute

2011

Christina Calantropo

Violin

2012

Ryan Tolentino

Violin

2014

Brooke Anne Sweeney

Piano

2015

Ayush Joshi

Violin

2016

Stacey Sharpe

Violin

2017

Opera Singer

Mayona Smith

Vocal

2017

Kenneth Rodman, III

Piano

2018

Opera Singer

Clara Synowiec

Vocal

2019

Margaret Jordan

Violin

2020

Opera Singer

Jamie Lynn Cruz
 

Vocal

2020

Opera Singer

Emily Coyle
 

Vocal

2021

Grand Piano

TBD
 

TBD

2026

TBD
 

TBD

2027

Opera Singer

TBD
 

TBD

2028

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This project is supported in part by the

Virginia Commission for the Arts and the

National Endowment for the Arts.
Financial statements are available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P. O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218

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ABOUT US

The Virginia Beach Chorale is recognized as one of southeastern Virginia’s longest-tenured performing arts ensemble.  Founded in 1958, it's rich history includes performances with the United States Atlantic Fleet Band, Symphonicity, The Tenors, and Kenny Rogers.

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© 2020 by Virginia Beach Chorale. All Rights Reserved.

HELP OUR CAUSE

The Virginia Beach Chorale is a non-profit organization that relies on the generous donations of people, businesses, and organizations to complete it's musical mission.  Find out how you can help.

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Last update: March 9, 2026
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