The Charleston Men’s Chorus is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 – 2026 season scholarships. Using proceeds from its annual concerts, CMC awards a total of $10,000 in music scholarships each year to students pursuing a degree in vocal music or choral conducting at the College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University.

James “Jimmy” Cyganek is a double major in Vocal Music Performance and Computing in the Arts at the College of Charleston, where he is expected to graduate in 2026. Originally from Smyrna, Georgia, Jimmy has a longstanding passion for men’s choral singing, shaped by early experiences with barbershop and the Georgia All-State Senior Men’s Chorus. Since joining the Charleston Men’s Chorus, he has found a rewarding artistic home. Singing under Ricard’s direction has deepened his appreciation for a wide range of musical styles—from German lieder and Anglican church music to modern repertoire—and provided a valuable connection to Charleston’s musical community. As a scholarship recipient, Jimmy is thankful for the support that has made it possible to focus more fully on his musical growth while balancing the demands of a dual-degree program.

Nathan “Nate” Grav is pursuing a degree in Choral Music Education at Charleston Southern University and will graduate in 2026. A true one-man band, he has sung in multiple ensembles and plays everything from trumpet and horn to guitar, piano, and even trombone. Nate describes singing with the Charleston Men’s Chorus as an “amazing opportunity,” giving him a place to continue in an all-men’s ensemble beyond college.

As the recipient of the John Kerr Memorial Scholarship, Nate values the chance to grow not only as a choir member but also as a future choral conductor. He shares that the scholarship has “changed the way I look at music, and the way I sing in an ensemble as a leader and a choir member,” giving him confidence and perspective that extend far beyond the classroom.

For Nate, this support is more than financial aid, it is an investment in his calling to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians. He looks forward to the day he can tell one of his own students they have earned a scholarship like his, a powerful reminder that gifts to CMC create a lasting impact forward, strengthening music education and community for years to come.

Jonathan R. (Kay) Moyd is a scholarship student at Charleston Southern University who brings his talents to the Charleston Men’s Chorus.

Through the support of the CMC Scholarship, Kay is able to continue developing as a musician while contributing to the tradition of men’s choral singing in Charleston.

He looks forward to the opportunities ahead as he grows both personally and musically within the CMC community.