Sophomore music major wins $10,000 scholarship via national concert event

A choir student sang his way to the top of the 105 Voices of History National Concert and won a $10,000 scholarship.

Jonathan Figgers, a sophomore music business major from Tallahassee, represented Winston-Salem State in the "105 Voices of History HBCU National Concert Choir" performance  Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C. 

D'Walla Burke, the director of choral and vocal studies, recommended Figgers;  he accepted the invitation and auditioned, via Skype. 

In the video, Figgers memorized and sang music provided for him. 

Figgers was notified via email that he passed the audition and was a part of the National Choir.

Antony Howard, a freshman music education major from Durham, also performed at the 105 Voices of History event. 

"Both students are leaders within the University's choir," Burke said. 

Howard and Figgers started rehearsing in May at different HBCU's in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, and Georgia.

There were five rehearsals and the participants were responsible for their own transportation to rehearsals.

Participants were required to attend all rehearsals to be eligible for the scholarship.

On the last rehearsal before the concert, students wrote their names and put them in four different boxes, for different regions. 

Figgers' name was drawn the last night of the concert.

"It was really unexpected and lucky for me to have my name pulled," Figgers said.

All of the scholarship monies were donated.

The choir is comprised of students from 105 HBCU's across the country.