To donate to the Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary fund:
Cheque: Make payable to “Cape Breton Chordsmen” and note “Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary” on the memo line. Cheque can be given to any member of the Cape Breton Chordsmen or mail to: CB Chordsmen, 97 Curry St., Sydney, NS B1L 1G8
e-Transfer: Use your online banking to send an e-Transfer to donate@cbchordsmen.ca
Thank you for your support!
On March 11, 2023, the Chordsmen lost a dear friend in Alphonse “Phonse” Chiasson. Phonse was an integral part of the Chordsmen for many years, making all members feel welcome, and never failing to share a smile, a
story, a joke, or a great idea for a Chordsmen project. And he could sing! We took Phonse’s presence like we take the sunrise in the morning, expecting Phonse to be there always.
It was the dream of Phonse that the Chordsmen provide a yearly bursary for a high school student embarking on further studies in the arts. In honour of that dream and our dear friend, the Cape Breton Chordsmen are proud to offer the annual “Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary” in the amount of $500.
It was Phonse’s wish that the award was to be labeled “bursary”, not scholarship, and based on need not on scholarly merit. The listed items below are to encompass application and eligibility:
Bursary Criteria
- Applicants must be in Grade 12, in good academic standing, and enrolled in a school in the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board.
- Applicants must be accepted into a music or music education degree program, or certificate program at a recognized post-secondary institute or conservatory.
- Applications must be completed according to the Application Requirements.
Application Requirements
- Compose an application letter addressed to the Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary Committee, dated, and signed. In your letter, include your views on music and/or music education, share your personal goals as a musician, and discuss your plans for participating in the field of music after completing your degree or program. You may also briefly discuss what the bursary will be used for and your specific need. Otherwise, details about your experience and training should be included in (2), your music résumé.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AT THE TOP OF THE LETTER:
Applicant’s Name, Address, Telephone Number, Current High School, Postsecondary Institute (attending in fall of the same year of this application), Program of Study - Submit a music résumé according to the suggested format listed below. Use any categories that apply to you. List items according to date, with the most recent first.
-PRIVATE STUDY – Private teachers, your instrument(s), length of study with each
Examples:
2019-2021 Teacher’s name, instrument of study, or voice, 2 years
2018 Teacher’s name, instrument of study, or voice, 6 months
-SCHOOL MUSIC COURSES – non-performance classes
Examples:
2020 IB Music Fall
2019 Music History
-SCHOOL ENSEMBLES, CONCERTS, PRODUCTIONS, SCHOOL-RELATED PERFORMANCES.
Example:
2020 Concert Band, Choir, Jazz Band
-COMMUNITY MUSIC and/or THEATRE GROUPS
-PROFESSIONAL or SPECIAL PROJECTS, FESTIVALS, and OTHER MUSICAL EXPERIENCE
-AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
- Provide two letters of recommendation from either your music teachers, conductors or directors, or other music professionals who have worked with you.
- Completed applications including all materials must be submitted by email no later than 11:59pm on May 19th.
Applications or questions should be sent to: bursary@cbchordsmen.ca
Please use “Phonse Chiasson Choral Music Bursary” in the subject line.