Several top music students in the South Okanagan will be giving back to the community this weekend in a fundraising event sponsored by the South Okanagan Branch of the BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association.
These past scholarship winners are putting their considerable talent and skills on display on Saturday February 25 at the Shatford Centre in an effort to raise money for future scholarships.
Piano student Chi-Yan Lee said receiving these scholarships encourages her to become a better pianist and practice more.
Her mother Josephine Lee was impressed with the scholarship program, adding that it that shows the teachers are dedicated and highly qualified.
Senior piano student Wynn Nordlund was grateful when he received his scholarship.
“I knew instantly that I would use the award to help fund my musical future. As I plan to study music composition in university this fall,” he said. “This money will be very helpful.”
Kieran Noseworthy is planning to use his scholarship money to buy a MIDI electric keyboard to learn how to compose music digitally.
“I am thankful (for) this opportunity to explore it further. Many thanks to the SORMTA for their generous support of all things musical,” he said.
Many scholarship recipients have used their winnings towards attending music camps or buying CDs of their most inspiring artists.
Tamatea Westby says that he was both surprised and excited to receive the scholarship.
“I used the money to buy some music books including a collection of Mozart’s work and selection of jazz originals,” she said.
“I am planning on extending my repertoire of music,” added violin scholarship recipient Samantha Dougherty.
Kate Piché said receiving a scholarship provided an incentive to keep working hard when a piano piece is really difficult.
Her brother Cole appreciates the reinforcement that winning a scholarship brings. “It is very nice to have confirmation … that I have made substantial improvements,” he said. “I will continue to practice hard.”
“We are so pleased to be able to offer concrete financial incentives as rewards for hard work,” says SORMTA Branch President Anita Perry. “Playing well is of course its own reward, but to be acknowledged publicly and financially for this level of excellence is an added bonus.”
The Celebration of Excellence concert will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Shatford Centre. Tickets can be purchased from any SORMTA member or at the door.
For more information, call 250-494-0971.
