The Oceanside Classical Concerts Society (OCCS) has announced the winner of its mid-Island music scholarship, Paige Kaps.
The scholarship was awarded to a Grade 12 student who will pursue a post-secondary music education this fall.
Kaps is a very gifted and hardworking vocalist who will continue her studies in vocal performance at the University of Toronto.
“Kaps is the kind of young person in our community that we can all be proud of,” read a release from OCCs. “In addition to her vocal training, where she has earned her Grade 9 voice diploma with first class honours at the Royal Conservatory of Music, she has also earned her RCM Grade 8 piano and theory diplomas.”
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Kaps performed at the Mid Island Regional Performing Arts Festival and was nominated for provincials as the mid-Island classical voice representative before COVID forced its cancellation. She attended the UBC summer vocal workshop twice, giving her the opportunity to work with university level accompanists, coaches and teachers.
Joe Straka, OCCS scholarship committee chair, said: “We see Paige as a diversely talented, dedicated and well-rounded young person who truly deserves this award. Congratulations, Paige!”
If anyone would like to help the OCCS achieve their goal of sustaining excellence in the future of all genre of music, they can donate to the OCCS Scholarship Fund online at oceansideclassicalconcerts.ca/occs-scholarship-program, and a tax receipt will be issued.
— NEWS Staff, submitted