Young musicians get Muskoka Concert Band bursaries

Bobbi Dawkins, left, and Jamie Eaton perform a number after they and Matthew Lacroix, right, received Muskoka Concert Band bursaries Thursday night in Bracebridge, as MCB committee member Roger Bolt looks on.BRACEBRIDGE — Thursday’s Memorial Park Bandshell Concert Series features more than another great performance by the Muskoka Concert Band (MCB).

Three young Muskoka musicians were awarded band bursaries during a break that included a special musical interlude.

Conductor Neil Barlow introduced tuba player Roger Bolt, who in making the presentations, described the program as being “particularly close to my heart.”

The bursaries are for any aspiring players who want to further their musical studies at the post secondary level, or to study with an accredited private teacher, or to purchase an instrument.

The first award went to Matthew Lacroix, of Bala, who is going into Grade 11 at GHS.

He plays keyboard and is in love with flute. He wants to put the money toward getting his own flute.

Next up were a pair of Bracebridge Salvation Army Band musicians, who just graduated from Grade 12 at BMLSS.

Jamie Eaton plays cornet and trumpet in multiple high school and Sally Ann bands.  She plans to use the award to go to music camp.

And Bobbi Dawkins plays baritone, also in several bands (high school and Salvation Army). She will use the money toward getting her own baritone.

After receiving the awards, Eaton and Dawkins performed a short piece together.

This was the third Thursday night concert at the downtown bandshell, following series opener Neil Hutchinson and Jam Sandwich.

Next up is Five Old Guys, a small, but lively and entertaining piano and choir group from Bracebridge.

The other six dates are: July 26 Bracebridge Legion Pipe Band; Aug. 2 Northern Lights Steel Orchestra; Aug. 9 singer/guitarist Grady Kelneck of Baysville; Aug. 16 singer/guitarist Doug McLean; Aug. 23 Olde Tyme Gospel Band; and Aug. 30 bassist Mike Phillips.

The concerts are presentation of the Bracebridge parks and recreation department.

A free-will offering is collected.

Conductor Neil Barlow and the Muskoka Concert Band presented their usual polished performance.
The MCB not only make nice music, they also pop fresh popcorn for their growing group of music followers.
Muskoka Concert Band groupies sit back and enjoy the show while taking a break from cooking dinner.
The Thursday night Memorial Park concert series is pleasant way to spend an hour or two in the Heart of Muskoka.