Bursaries/Awards & Scholarships
The VYSO is committed to the support of musicians that, through financial hardship or special circumstances, may not be able to participate in the program without assistance. Based on information provided in the application process, bursaries are awarded annually to musicians who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Bursary applications and guidelines are available by contacting our office at 604-737-0714 or info@vyso.com. Some of these bursaries are awarded in the name and honour of former conductor Margitta Krebs, who guided and supported hundreds of young musicians over a very long tenure with the VYSO.
Amy Dundas Head Memorial Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
This award is given to a deserving VYSO Senior Orchestra string player in memory of Amy Dundas Head, a VYSO alumna. The award is presented at the last Senior Orchestra concert of the season, and is based on all-around merit.
Upon entering the Suzuki violin program at the Vancouver Community Music School, Ms. Dundas Head showed early talent and a readiness to take the stage. Before entering the UBC Violin Program she enjoyed solo recitals, competed in festivals, and played in the Vancouver Academy Strings, the Summer Pops Youth Orchestra, the UBC Orchestra, and the VYSO. She won the Senior Orchestra Concerto Competition and performed the Bruch G minor Concerto at the QE Playhouse on her 17th birthday.
In 2005 a family member established this memorial fund in memory of Ms. Dundas Head. Her talent, honesty, determination, cheerful disposition, infectious enthusiasm and readiness to help others enriched many lives. Her life was an inspiration to many.
Lightburn/van den Bos Scholarship
This scholarship is open to VYSO Senior Orchestra musicians, who are graduating from a public secondary school, who intend to pursue full-time post-secondary music studies at university or independent school of music.
One award is granted each year, and is presented at the final Senior Orchestra concert of the season.
Roger Cole / Heathcliff Music Award
The Roger Cole / Heathcliff Music Award is awarded in name and honour of former
Artistic Director and Senior Orchestra Conductor, Roger Cole. Under his guidance and
long tenure with the orchestra, the VYSO has flourished and was considered one of the
finest Youth Orchestras in Canada. This award has been made possible by Ronald Cliff
and the Heathcliff Foundation.
This award is given to a deserving VYSO Senior Orchestra non-string player. The award
is presented at the last Senior Orchestra concert of the season and is based on all-
around merit.
Margitta Krebs Bursary Fund
Margitta Krebs Bursary is awarded in name and honour of former Debut and Junior Orchestras Conductor, Margitta Krebs, who guided and supported hundreds of young musicians over a very long tenure with the VYSO. This fund is to provide financial aid to the eligible students on the basis of financial need: students registered in the VYSO Debut Orchestra, Junior Orchestra or students registered in the VYSO Intermediate or Senior Orchestra who were previously members of the Debut or Junior Orchestras.
Charlotte Epp Distinguished Service Award
The Charlotte Epp Distinguished Service Award was established in 1999, in honour of the long and committed service of former VYSO Manager, Charlotte Epp. It is presented annually to an individual that has shown extraordinary commitment as a volunteer to the organization.
