It is time once again for interested students to prepare their applications for the Elizabeth Scott Vocal Choral Bursary.
Given annually, the bursary is named after Scott, a retired choir leader and instructor, whose contributions to choral music spanned more than 20 years in Vernon.
“Her children’s and teen choirs were indeed a joy and an inspiration to hear and see perform,” said Catherine Dawson, with the bursary committee.
The bursary is open to any student under the age of 35 who is pursuing post secondary education in the fields of vocal or choral work, vocal teaching, performing, choral conducting, music therapy or accompaniment. The student must be enrolled in a recognized institution program for a course of at least one semester.
The recipients are chosen in the spring usually by early June and the award is sent to their university or college the following January, said Dawson.
The three previous winners are nearing the point when they will take the world by storm, said Dawson.
“They are constantly performing in their respective university programs and choirs. The quality of their voices was impressive in their teens and now with years of extra training a chance to hear any of them sing is not to be missed.”
Two of them are in masters of music programs and the third, Alison Harker, will be performing two numbers with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra in their program April 22 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
Former recipient, Nathan Letourneau, has successfully auditioned for the lead tenor role in a professional opera to be performed in Texas this June.
“A new experience for a young artist, he, again, will be a leading tenor in another opera to be performed in New York during the summer,” said Dawson.
Those interested in applying for the bursary will need two letters of reference from music teachers and to write a short essay outlining their goals and aspirations. Closing date for applications is May 30. Forms can be acquired by contacting Dawson at 250-545-6494.
