Scholarships 2026 - General Information

Welcome to the scholarship section of the CRMF website! On behalf of the committee, Ms. Heeney, Ms. Persaud, and Mr. Millan, we are excited to review your applications. You should expect us to communicate with applicants, their parents, and their references throughout the application review process. Good luck to all applicants, and please review the important information listed below.

Please review the information below outlining each scholarship, award, and bursary. To be considered for any of these opportunities, you must meet the specified eligibility criteria. To apply, please complete the appropriate Scholarship Application based on the division:

"Short Rib" Scholarship: Application Google Form
Concert Band Division Scholarship Awards (Application coming soon!)
Jazz Band Division Scholarship and Awards: Application Google Form

Application deadlines vary depending on the division of the scholarship. Consult the dates below to determine the deadline for respective applications:

Friday January 23rd, 2026 at 11:59 pm: “Short Rib” Scholarship Applications
Friday January 30th, 2026 at 11:59 pm: Concert Band Scholarship Applications
Friday January 30th, 2026 at 11:59pm: Jean Guy Boutin Memorial Award Applications
Friday February 27th, 2025 at 11:59 pm: Jazz Band Scholarship Applications

Important:

Scholarship and Award applicants are eligible to apply only if they are part of a band or ensemble that is registered to play at CRMF 2026.
Recipients of the Concert Band Division Scholarships and Awards will be chosen based on a live audition. These auditions will be held at Broadview Public School (535 Dovercourt Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 0T2) (Date and time tba)
Recipients of the Jazz Scholarships and Awards will be chosen by this year's adjudication panel at the festival during the applicants’ ensemble performance.
Recipients of the “Short Rib” Scholarship and Jean-Guy Boutin Memorial Scholarship will be chosen by a panel of judges based on submitted audition videos and written requirements.

Contact the CRMF Scholarship Committee at crmfscholarships@gmail.com for more information.

If you have questions about a specific scholarship please direct your questions to:

Jazz Awards - Ms. Heeney, meghan.heeney@ocdsb.ca,
Concert Band Awards - Ms. Persaud & Mr. Millan, felicia.persaud@ocdsb.ca & macarthur.millen@ocdsb.ca

Audition Requirements

Please prepare one (1) selection that demonstrates your skills on your instrument.
Audition length is 10 minutes max.
Provide 4 copies of the music. Photocopies will be accepted.

Note: The candidate has the option of unaccompanied or piano accompanied auditions, but is responsible for providing his/her own accompanist. An electric piano will be provided as well as a bass amp. Recorded accompaniment is also acceptable and a bluetooth speaker will be provided.

Interprovincial Band and Orchestra Camp Scholarship:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10
Value: $612

The recipient of this half scholarship, valued at $612.00 will attend the Band & Orchestra program at IMC,
August 22nd to 30th 2026. Balance of tuition fee is required at registration. The camp is located in McKellar ON, near Parry Sound. Transportation to the camp is not included. Students applying for this scholarship need to check the camp dates to ensure they can attend.

For more info, visit: www.campimc.ca

Long and McQuade Junior Award:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Junior Player - Gr. 6-10
Value: $250 gift card

Long & McQuade is pleased to award a $250 gift card to Long & McQuade to a Gr. 6-10 student who has demonstrated exemplary skills on their instrument.

Long and McQuade Senior Award:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Senior Player - Gr. 11-12
Value: $250 gift card

Long & McQuade is pleased to award a $250 gift card to Long & McQuade to a Gr. 11-12 student who has demonstrated exemplary skills on their instrument.

Dovercourt Band Camp Scholarship

(Now Closed)

The Dovercourt Scholarship is back!

Eligibility: Gr. 6-8 (x2)
Value: $420.00

The recipients of these full scholarships, valued at approximately $420 each, will attend Dovercourt Band Camp in Ottawa, July 2025. Daily transportation to and from the camp is not included. Students applying for this scholarship need to check the camp dates to ensure they can attend.

For more info, visit: https://www.dovercourt.org/camps/

(Now Closed for 2025)

Audition Requirements

- Recipients of Jazz Scholarships and Awards will be chosen by this year's adjudication panel, at the festival.
- While not mandatory, students applying for scholarships/awards should be featured during their performance(s) at the festival.

Carleton University Jazz Camp Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 7-11, one trombone and one bass players
Value: 2 scholarships valued at $550 each.

The recipients of these full scholarships, valued at $550, will attend the Carleton University Jazz Camp. One scholarship will be awarded to a trombone player and the other will be awarded to a bass player. The camp takes place the last week of July in Ottawa. Students applying for this scholarship need to check the camp dates to ensure they can attend.

For more info, visit: http://www.cujazzcamp.ca

Interprovincial Music Camp Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10
Value: $560

The recipient of this half scholarship, valued at $560.00 will attend the Jazz program at IMC, August 16th to 21st 2026. Balance of tuition fee is required at registration. The camp is located in McKellar ON, near Parry Sound. Transportation to the camp is not included. Students applying for this scholarship need to check the camp dates to ensure they can attend.

For more info, visit: www.campimc.ca

Carmelo Scaffidi Memorial Scholarship

$500 Grade 12 trumpet player

A $500 scholarship to a student who has demonstrated exemplary skills and a desire to pursue music with a concentration on trumpet. Applicants must be currently enrolled in their final year of high school and applying to continue musical studies at an accredited Canadian university/college with a concentration on trumpet. Proof of acceptance is required in order to receive the scholarship.

The Memorial scholarship has been donated by Mrs. Jo-Anne Scaffidi, widow of the late Carmelo Scaffidi.

Born in Ottawa, Carmelo emerged quickly as leader in the local musical community. With the RCMP Concert Band, from 1989 until its final performance in 1993, Carmelo was the lead trumpet player. He continued his trumpet studies with Lew Soloff (Blood Sweat and Tears) and Arnold Jacobs (Chicago Symphony). Most recently, he performed with Tito Jackson, The Funk Brothers, The Four Tops, Thelma Houston, The Former Ladies of The Supremes and other great artists like Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, and Melissa Manchester. He is remembered locally and internationally for his extraordinary musicianship, and can still be heard at every Ottawa Senators home game as the players rush on to the ice to the iconic sound of his trumpet.

Vernon Isaac Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 12 Saxophone player
Value: $500

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated exemplary skills and a desire to pursue music with a concentration on saxophone. The student must be currently enrolled in his/her final year of high school and applying to continue musical studies at an accredited Canadian university/college. Proof of acceptance is required in order to receive the scholarship.The Memorial scholarship has been donated by Mrs. Jo-Anne Scaffidi, widow of the late Carmelo Scaffidi.

Born in Texas in 1912, Vernon Clarence Isaac has toured all over the world as a sax player, vibraphonist and band leader. He had played with numerous jazz musicians including Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Lionel Hampton and Charlie Parker. He made his way to Montreal and then Ottawa where he quickly became a mainstay of the local jazz scene.He put together the Vernon Isaac Big Band, with a collection of the region’s best jazz players, including Mike Tremblay, John Geggie and Roddy Ellias all of whom were profoundly influenced and enriched by Vern’s personality, mentorship and jazz experience.

JazzWorks Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9 to 12 rhythm section player of exceptional talent
Value: approximately $1,000

JazzWorks Canada is offering a scholarship this year for its annual summer Jazz Camp, at a value of $1000. The recipient of this award will have the opportunity to attend JazzWorks' 2024 Jazz Camp, held at CAMMAC Music Centre (near Harrington, Quebec) in late August. This 3-day Jazz Camp is an opportunity for adult jazz musicians and advanced high school music students to work with world-class performers and jazz educators, and is unique in the Ottawa area. The program includes master classes, small group combo rehearsals, improvisation, jazz history, a variety of workshops and jam sessions. The scholarship is open to Grade 9-12 rhythm section players of exceptional talent.

For more info visit: https://www.jazzworkscanada.com/jazz-camp.html

JazzWorks “Women in Jazz” Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9-12 female players of exceptional talent on their chosen instrument
Value: approximately $1,000

The recipient of this privately-funded scholarship, valued at approximately $1000.00, will have the opportunity to attend JazzWorks' 2026 Jazz Camp held at CAMMAC Music Centre (near Harrington, Quebec) in late August. The three-day Jazz Camp is an opportunity for adult jazz musicians and advanced high school music students to work with world-class performers and jazz educators, and is unique in the Ottawa area. The program includes master classes, small group combo rehearsals, improvisation, jazz history, a variety of workshops and jam sessions. The scholarship is open to Grade 9-12 female players of exceptional talent on their chosen instrument.

For more info visit: https://www.jazzworkscanada.com/about-jazz-camp.html

Long & McQuade JazzWorks Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9 to 12 student jazz musician of exceptional talent
Value: approximately $1,000

JazzWorks Canada, with the support of Long & McQuade, is offering a scholarship this year for its annual summer Jazz Camp, at a value of $1000. The recipient of this award will have the opportunity to attend JazzWorks' Jazz Camp, held at CAMMAC Music Centre (near Harrington, Quebec) in late August. This 3-day Jazz Camp is an opportunity for adult jazz musicians and advanced high school music students to work with world-class performers and jazz educators, and is unique in the Ottawa area. The program includes master classes, small group combo rehearsals, improvisation, jazz history, a variety of workshops and jam sessions. The scholarship is open to Grade 9-12 students of exceptional talent.

For more info visit: https://www.jazzworkscanada.com/jazz-camp.html

Michael Scorah Memorial Scholarship

$250 Grade 7 to 11 saxophone player

This is a scholarship sponsored by the American Federation of Musicians (local 180) introduced in memory of Ottawa saxophonist Michael Scorah, a former Central Band and RCMP Band member and Ottawa musician.

Michael Scorah was a member of the Canadian Forces Central Band in Ottawa until he went to Berklee College of Music in Boston where he studied and taught from 1970 to 1973. He joined the RCMP Band in Ottawa, in 1973 travelling and performing throughout Canada, and many parts of the world until 1994. In addition to his regular job as a member of the band, Mike played in various ensembles around the city. An accomplished player of all woodwind instruments, he also performed with the NAC Orchestra, the Savoy Society and Orpheus Musical Theatre. After he left the RCMP Band, Mike toured with an Andrew Lloyd Webber show based in New York and played on cruise ships for about 10 years. Mike also left a legacy in the large number of students he taught, many of whom are professional musicians today. Mike taught private lessons at Canterbury and Ashbury, did clinics at many schools, and also taught at U of Ottawa and Carleton University.

New for 2026

Jean-Guy Boutin Memorial Award

Eligibility: Awarded to a Gr 12 student who will be attending post secondary in Canada, nominated by their music teacher.

Criteria: The student nominated has made outstanding contributions not only in performance, but also behind the scenes in support of their school program. This may include running sectionals, helping younger students, being on a band committee, and other activities that have shown a dedication to helping and improving their music department.

Upon receipt of application, details will be provided to applicant who will provide ALL 3 of the following:

A short written recommendation from their music teacher outlining the students contributions. (300 words max.)
A video of the student performing a short excerpt on their instrument. (3 min max)
A short written description by the student applicant outlining what they have done to help their music department. (300 words max)

Description: This award is to be presented annually to a graduating grade 12 student who will be attending a university music program full-time the following fall semester. This student must be recommended on behalf of their school music teacher. Applications will be reviewed by a small panel headed by Mike Tremblay and a one-time award of $500 will be transferred to the winning student upon proof of acceptance into a post-Secondary Music Program.

Jean-Guy Boutin was a physics professor at Carleton University in Ottawa. While he spent his days helping and guiding students, he spent his evenings playing the saxophone and supporting live music. A voracious reader, Jean-Guy was always researching a favourite player or recording. Jean-Guy loved attending saxophone camps, jazz camps, playing in community jazz and concert bands, and for a time ran his own saxophone quartet. He was a staunch music supporter, starting with the legendary club, Le Hibou, and continuing throughout his life.

Jean-Guy was always there to help others. This award has been established in 2026 by Mike Tremblay who is honoured to be able to establish this annual scholarship for Capital Region Musicfest.

"Short Rib" Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to any musician

In partnership with Ed Lister and The Prime Rib Big Band, selected students will have the opportunity to perform with the band at an all-ages show at Irene's Pub (885 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W4) on Sunday March 8th, 2026. Students chosen through the application process will be notified in early February to allow time for performance preparation. To apply for this scholarship, students must first complete the application process using the application form linked in the general description. Then once an application has been reviewed, applicants will receive music to prepare and record as an audition video, which will include preparation of the piece provided as well as one Jazz standard of their choice that includes 2 choruses (1 chorus of the melody and 1 chorus of solo). Detailed instructions on how to complete and upload audition videos will be provided by email to applicants.

The deadline to submit your application is Friday, January 23rd, and the completed audition video must be submitted by January 30th. To allow more time for preparation, we encourage applicants to submit their application as early as possible. For more information on Ed Lister and the Prime Rib Big Band visit their website: https://edlistermusic.com/prime-rib-big-band.

Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients 2025

CONCERT BAND DIVISION

Long and McQuade Junior Award - Kevin Dang (Nepean High School Concert Band)
Long and McQuade Senior Award - Maki Martin (Holy Trinity Senior Concert Band)
Dovercourt Band Camp Scholarship - Gary Cong (Glashan Concert Band)
IMC Concert Band and Orchestra Scholarship - Lilian Wang (Merivale Allegro Concert Band)

JAZZ BAND DIVISION

"Short Rib" Scholarship
- Greg Zucatto, Carleton University
- Seren Dube, Carleton University
- Gregory Nicholas, Nepean HS
- Marley Robin, NACJB
- Victor Ge, Merivale HS
- Riley Rochon, Carleton University
- Yasmine Shariat, Carleton University
- Will Mayhew, John McCrae SS
Crius Saxophone Camp - Will Mayhew, John McCrae SS
Carleton Jazz Camp
- Tianxu Dong, A.Y. Jackson SS
- Jocelyn Lau, Earl of March SS
IMC Jazz Camp - Victor Ge, Merivale HS
Carmelo Scaffidi Scholarship - N/A
Vernon Isaac Scholarship - Olive Gamble, Canterbury HS
JazzWorks Camp: Rhythm Player - Astrid Sweeny, Canterbury HS
JazzWorks Camp: Any Player - Jasper An, Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Michael Scorah Memorial Scholarship - Jonas Leung, St. Francis Xavier HS

Website Scholarship Winners

Scholarship Recipients 2000-2020

Google Sites

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Scholarships 2026 - General Information

Important:

Audition Requirements

Interprovincial Band and Orchestra Camp Scholarship:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10Value: $612

Long and McQuade Junior Award:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Junior Player - Gr. 6-10Value: $250 gift card

Long and McQuade Senior Award:

(Now Closed)

Eligibility: Senior Player - Gr. 11-12Value: $250 gift card

Dovercourt Band Camp Scholarship

(Now Closed)

The Dovercourt Scholarship is back!

(Now Closed for 2025)

Audition Requirements

Carleton University Jazz Camp Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 7-11, one trombone and one bass playersValue: 2 scholarships valued at $550 each.

Interprovincial Music Camp Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10Value: $560

Carmelo Scaffidi Memorial Scholarship

$500 Grade 12 trumpet player

Vernon Isaac Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Gr. 12 Saxophone playerValue: $500

JazzWorks Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9 to 12 rhythm section player of exceptional talentValue: approximately $1,000

JazzWorks “Women in Jazz” Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9-12 female players of exceptional talent on their chosen instrumentValue: approximately $1,000

Long & McQuade JazzWorks Jazz Camp Scholarship

Grade 9 to 12 student jazz musician of exceptional talentValue: approximately $1,000

Michael Scorah Memorial Scholarship

$250 Grade 7 to 11 saxophone player

New for 2026

Jean-Guy Boutin Memorial Award

Eligibility: Awarded to a Gr 12 student who will be attending post secondary in Canada, nominated by their music teacher.

"Short Rib" Scholarship

Eligibility: Open to any musician

Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients 2025

CONCERT BAND DIVISION

JAZZ BAND DIVISION

Scholarship Recipients 2000-2020

Scholarship Recipients 2000-2020

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10
Value: $612

Eligibility: Junior Player - Gr. 6-10
Value: $250 gift card

Eligibility: Senior Player - Gr. 11-12
Value: $250 gift card

Eligibility: Gr. 7-11, one trombone and one bass players
Value: 2 scholarships valued at $550 each.

Eligibility: Gr. 7-10
Value: $560

Eligibility: Gr. 12 Saxophone player
Value: $500

Grade 9 to 12 rhythm section player of exceptional talent
Value: approximately $1,000

Grade 9-12 female players of exceptional talent on their chosen instrument
Value: approximately $1,000

Grade 9 to 12 student jazz musician of exceptional talent
Value: approximately $1,000