MUSIC GOES ON WITH 7 MUSKOKA MEN OF SONG STUDENT BURSARIES
MUSKOKA — COVID may have put a halt to live music, but The Muskoka Men of Song have continued their bursary program in 2021.
They have awarded seven musically-gifted Muskoka students through their Sean Kelly Memorial Bursary Program, which was created in 1990 and named after the choir’s late founding member. This is the 37th anniversary of The Muskoka Men of Song, a choral group providing good music to the public of Muskoka.
This year’s student winners represent a wide variety of musical talent in voice, violin, piano and flute and show music runs in some families.
Some of the students will be performing at future concerts of The Muskoka Men of Song at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre and other venues in the area.
The 2021 recipients are:
Simon Johnson, of Bracebridge, is 15 and in Grade 10. He studies violin with Suzuki School of Music and piano with Cheryl Graham.
His aim is to complete Suzuki Book 10 and RCM Grade 10 to become a more proficient musician and possibly play in a band or orchestra in the future. With his family he has performed in many venues including his church, Stars of Tomorrow at the Gravenhurst Opera House, Fall Fairs, retirement homes and our concert.
His instructor describes him as eager, cheerful, hard working and smart.
Bridget Johnson, of Bracebridge, is 17 and in Grade 12. She studies violin with the Suzuki School of Music, organ/vocals with Mary-Ruth Roadhouse and piano with Graham.
Her goal is a career as a private instructor in violin and piano. In fact, this year she is instructing another of the Men of Song’s bursary recipients for whom she also provided a letter of recommendation. She is well known to the Men of Song and has performed for their concerts on piano and the violin.
Her instructors say she has made good progress this year, is diligent, polite, serious and focused.
Margot Johnson, of Bracebridge, is 14 and in Grade 9. She studies violin with Suzuki School of Music.
Margot wants to finish her violin training to book 10 and Grade 10 piano. With her family she has performed at numerous local functions including retirement homes, Pioneer Power Show, Fall Fair and Probus Clubs. She looks forward to performing at our future concerts.
Her instructor describes her as a lovely student, quiet and intuitive.
Javan Good, of Bracebridge, is 13 and in Grade 8. He studies flute at the RCM Instruction level of 3/4 with Melissa Meystadt and piano with Susanne Holmes Rutherford.
Javan wants to continue his RCM level flute lessons. He has performed in concerts and programs for seniors’ and at his church.
His instructor Melissa Meystadt says he is very pleasant young man, a great listener, is dedicated and eager to learn.
Beniah Good, of Bracebridge, is 14 and is in Grade 9. He studies piano with Suzanne Holmes Rutherford.
Ben is passionate about piano and has played since age 4 and he wants to continue to a career in music teaching others. He has performed in festivals, with the Kingfisher Band, Muskoka Men of Song and for seniors. He is a voluntary keyboardist in his church, and contributes to his community.
His instructor says he is very mature, hard working and diligent, has near perfect scores in his theory exams, and is a well-rounded musician.
Shiloh Good, of Bracebridge, is 12 and in Grade 6. She studies violin with Bridget Johnson. She has been studying violin for two years and hopes to complete studies in Book 2 of the Suzuki School of Music. She performs with a group for senior citizens, in a youth band and at her church.
Her instructor says she is enthusiastic and her love of music is evident in her lessons
Briar Summers, of Huntsville, is 17 and in Grade 12 She studies Royal Conservatory and music theory with Sarah Spring.
Her desired course is Level 10 Piano and Level 9 Theory (harmony) with RCM. She has been studying music for 12 years with Music for Young Children and the RCM. She also plans to continue her studies next year when she will be attending university. She performs three times a week at various venues and works part-time to raise money to cover her expenses at university next year.
She has opened for the Canadian Men’s Chorus and the Elmer Eiseler Singers at the Gravenhurst Opera House. She has been part of many other musical events, including Rotary Club musicals and the Bala Cranberry Festival.
Her instructor says she is always surprised at her work ethic, incredible musical talent, her resiliency and compassionate attitude. She is a very mature young lady.
All of the bursary winners have proven their love of music and their ability to continue their musical studies.
