The Muskoka Men of Song’s Sean Kelly Bursary Program continues to provide assistance to students of music in Muskoka.
This is the 39th anniversary of The Muskoka Men of Song, a choral group providing good music to the public of Muskoka. The Sean Kelly Memorial Bursary Program was created in 1990, and is named after the late Sean Kelly, a founding member of the choir.
The Muskoka Men of Song presents two major concerts each year, one in June and one in December to celebrate the Christmas season. All proceeds of the concerts go to support the bursary program. The next concert will take place on June 2nd, 2023 at the Pinegrove Fellowship Church, 295 Taylor Rd. Bracebridge, starting at 7:00 PM.
In 2023, eight students, representing a wide variety of musical talent in violin, piano, and flute, will receive financial support in their musical endeavours. All the applicants are enthusiastically supported by their instructors.
Some of the students will be performing at future concerts of The Muskoka Men of Song at various venues in the area.
The 2023 successful applicants for the Sean Kelly Memorial Bursary Program of The Muskoka Men of Song are as follows:
- Johnson, Simon is 17 and in Grade 12, studies violin with Suzuki School of Music and piano with Mrs. Cheryl Graham of Joyful Sounds Music Studio.
With his family he has performed at our Muskoka Men of Song concerts, at public events, the Huntsville Music Festival, Fall Fair, Orillia Kiwanis Festival and retirement/nursing homes in the area.
His instructors speak highly of his diligence, now works at an advanced level and understands complex musical concepts.
- Margot Johnson is 16 and in grade 11, studies violin with Suzuki school of violin.
She wants to complete Suzuki Book 10 to become a professional violinist. She looks forward to performing at our concerts and with her family. She has played at the Butterfly Release, Centre for active living and Fall Fair.
Her instructors say she is a pleasure to teach and is impressed with her determination and tenacity.
- Tessa Johnson is 15 and in grade 9, studies violin with Suzuki School of Music.
She wants to proceed to Suzuki Book 8 for violin and more advanced playing abilities. She has performed at music festivals, Fall Fair, Butterfly Release, Gravenhurst Opera House, and local retirement homes.
Her instructor says she won a top prize at the Huntsville Music Festival and her performances on the violin were some of the highlights and she earned a mark of Gold Level With Distinction. She understands complex ideas, is self assured on stage, and has a bright future.
- Beniah Good is 16 and is in grade 11, studies piano and harmony with Mary Ruth Roadhouse
Ben is working on Level 10 piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music and Level 9 Harmony while also working on Level 9 History. His instructor says it is rare these days to see a student like Ben who is exceptionally bright, musically intuitive, creative, and whole-heartedly recommends him for our bursary.
Has performed in festivals, numerous concerts including those of Muskoka Men of Song and active with the worship team of his church, seniors program, takes every opportunity to perform and contribute to concert events.
- Javan Good is 15 and is in grade 9. He studies flute and piano with Melissa Meystadt of Muskoka Music Academy.
Javan did an amazing performance on his RCM grade 3 flute and is working in level 4 and grade 7 piano. His instructor says he is focused, works hard on his homework, puts effort into accomplishing the repertoire and is a dedicated student that is a pleasure to teach.
He has performed in concerts and programs for seniors’ and the worship Band at his church. He has performed at the Men of Song Concerts on numerous occasions.
- Shiloh Good is 14 and in Grade 8. She studies violin with Bridget Johnson.
She wants to get proficient in violin while at the same time learning music, dedication, commitment, perseverance, and hard work.
Her instructor says she has finished Suzuki Book 1 and working on Book 2. She works hard on her technique and her musicianship skills are developing as is her sense of phrasing, dynamics, and tone.
She plays in special events at her church, a youth band and with her family.
- Huxley Good is 12 and in grade 7, studies piano with Melissa Meystadt of Muskoka Music Academy.
Huxley loves making music with his family, learning music and wants to keep growing as a musician in different situations. His instructor says he is a dedicated student, attentive in class and gives his best. He is currently working on RCM Grade 3 level. She says he and his brothers are a delight to teach.
Huxley has played at special events, with his family and a youth band.
- Theo Sternberg is 11 and in Grade 6. He studies music with Frances Balodis.
Theo very much wants to continue his music studies with his instructor and the result of his training is very evident. His instructor says he is conscientious, has progressed rapidly, and is diligent in practicing and following advice and guidelines.
Theo has performed at 2 live audiences and online recitals. He has appeared at The Muskoka Men of Song Concerts.
Look for these talented students of music to perform at The Muskoka Men of Song concerts on June 2, 2023 at the Pinegrove Fellowship Church and the Christmas Concert on December 8, 2023 at the Gravenhurst Opera House.