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KWS Volunteer Committee Scholarship HistoryIn 1974, Geraldine Kress Schafer was the first person from the Volunteers group to give a Bursary to a player in the Youth Orchestra. Then in 1981, Pauline Morrin also gave money to be presented to a worthy player in the YO. A Trust Fund was set up in 1982 by Karl Saley to present a “Bursary” to a Youth Orchestra player and Loretta Bernhardt also began one in her husband Archie’s memory. From these humble beginnings, the present day “Scholarship Program” began in 1987-88 and has continued to grow. There are now awards for each section of the KWS Youth Orchestra. The winners are chosen by a panel which includes the Scholarship Awards Convenor, the Volunteer Committee Chair, the Youth Orchestra Coordinator and the conductors involved. The R. Paul Class Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 by Carol in memory of her husband, Paul, a teacher and principal of elementary students. Both were KWS Volunteers. This scholarship supports the Youth Strings. The TELUS Scholarship: When a team member or retiree records a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service in their community, TELUS donates to a charitable organization of his or her choice. This year the KWS Youth Orchestra Scholarship program was chosen to receive this award. The Volunteer Committee Memorial Scholarship was established in 1994 in memory of Dorothy Petersen, founding member of the volunteer committee and charter member of the KW Symphony, and, Mabel Lane Krug, the first Chairperson of the Volunteers and a tireless promoter of the KWS. The Freund/Hunter Memorial Scholarship: the Paulette Hunter Memorial fund started in 1989; the Art Freund Memorial began in 1990. These two funds were combined in 1994 to establish the present Scholarship to honour a dedicated early volunteer and a respected musician. The Volunteer Committee Scholarship. In 2005, the VC executive decided to honour specific hard working volunteers, both past and present. Since then it has remained as a scholarship from all the volunteers to support the younger players of the YO. A Scholarship from an Anonymous Donor. From time to time, donors come forth to support the YO in a tangible way but wish to remain unrecognized. This year’s generous donor asked that a Cello player be the recipient. One time gifts of this type are very welcome. The MacDonald Scholarship. Margaret and Sandy believe that helping the young players today will encourage them to be future players and concert attendees. Their scholarship is to recognise the most improved player in the Youth Strings or Sinfonia. The Volunteer Committee Quartet Scholarship has been established this year to encourage this new program which allows the winning quartet to receive four – one hour coaching session from the Bremen Quartet. It is hoped that this added coaching will help these players grow in excellence as musicians. The players must remain in the Youth Orchestra for the 2009-2010 season. The Archie Bernhardt Memorial Scholarship. First begun in 1981 and formalized in its present form in 1995, this scholarship honours a self taught percussionist of the early years of the KWS and board member of the association. The Karl Saley Memorial Scholarship. In 1982, Karl, a KWSO board member, set up a Trust Fund in memory of his son, Wolfgang. After Karl’s death in 2003, this was renamed to honour this man whose passion for music was well known. It continues to help young musicians achieve their goals. The Parry Michael Zehr Memorial Scholarship was established in 1996 by Marion Schweitzer in memory of Perry, a promising YO violinist. This award is managed by the Canadian Federation of University Women’s Kitchener-Waterloo Charitable Trust. The Bob Wagner/Sun Life Scholarship. In 1992, Mutual Life of Canada (now Sun Life Financial) honoured Bob with a cash donation to a charity of his choice and his induction into their Hall of Fame for his outstanding service to his clients. He directed the cash donation to the Youth Orchestra in the hope that this support would encourage the players to join the Symphony which he has long supported in many ways. The Astrid & Vic Braun Scholarship was established in 2006 to encourage further education of young musicians. Astrid and Vic are long time supporters of the KWS and very active in the Volunteer Committee. The Central Ontario Musicians’ Association Scholarship. The COMA, Local 226, Kitchener, A.F. of M. proposed this scholarship for the KWS Senior Youth Orchestra, late in 2003. It was first given in 2004. Happily, it has continued to be given to aid a player with their chosen instrument. The Alveretta Henderson Award. This Trophy has a surprising history dating back to Alveretta’s teaching days up north. She donated the trophy to the Volunteer Committee in 1994 to be given to the most outstanding player of the year. This generous lady adds an envelope to the bowl and the lucky player’s name is engraved on the plaque. The Dorothy M. Elliott Music Scholarship for Performance was first awarded in 1995 to reward players who show initiative and an eagerness to learn. Dorothy favours the Brass section but, it is open to all YO players. This generous amazing lady is now 101 years old! The Regina & Paul Robertson Memorial Scholarship, for a tuba or trombone player, was given last year for the first time by Laura Robertson and Steve Hornett in memory of Laura’s parents. Laura and Steve were instrumental in gaining ING as the Youth Orchestra Sponsor. The Violet Sykes Scholarship. Violet is a past chair of the Volunteer Committee. Each year, since 1996 she has donated this award. She and her husband, Don, are dedicated supporters of the KW Symphony Orchestra. The Geraldine Kress Schafer Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship had its beginnings as a Bursary which Geraldine started in 1974. In 1985 a donation from her was invested and this evolved into a Scholarship. After her death in 1996, it has continued in its present name. The J. Fred Brooke Memorial Scholarship. Marguerite established this award in 1991 in memory of her husband. Both had spent many hours volunteering in support of the KWS and supported the development of the Youth Orchestra. The Claire Gerner Memorial Scholarship has been given this year by Susan and Ed Moskal in memory of Sue’s mother who passed away this past year. The Moskal’s are dedicated Volunteer Committee Members. The Geraldine Kress Schafer Memorial Scholarship for Advanced Studies is awarded annually to enable a member of the YO to pursue his or her formal music studies or training at the post-secondary level. Although actually started earlier it became official in the Spring of 2000. Geraldine’s son, Lawrence, has continued to provide annually for this scholarship. Players must apply for this scholarship and meet the criterion outlined. It is the only award that does not require the player to return the following year to the Youth Orchestra.
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