Maria Manna Bursary Fund- Victoria Conservatory of Music
Mission Statement
Maria Manna Bursary Fund intends to meet the needs of musically talented children ages 8-18 who find themselves in socio economical difficulties, by providing them with a lifelong learning experience through the world of music at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) in Victoria, British Columbia.
Overview
Maria Manna Bursary Fund provides funds for music lessons at VCM in Victoria, British Columbia for children who are talented but cannot afford the lessons. If funding allows, the gift of music lessons will be given to 20 children per year. The funds will be available for all categories of music.
Application and Audition Process
Students wanting vocal or instrumental lessons will be asked to write a short essay on why these lessons are important to them. Students wanting to take vocal lessons will be asked to audition a song of their choice.
Students will be asked to pay $20 per month for lessons. Interviews will be conducted with the parents of the student. The day of the interview, they are asked to bring the following information: documentation of their monthly household income, household expenses, childcare costs, loans, medical expenses and any other expenses that they can supply. These will help us understand their situation and ensure they receive a fair assessment.
Breakdown
Lessons per child per year - $2300
20 children per year at $2300 per child - $ 46,000 per year
Fundraising
Vancouver Island’s Got Talent – September – January
Recitals and shows with live and silent auctions - Spring
Great Ladies of Jazz Show – Summer
Summary
Music benefits children in many ways.
- It contributes significantly to their emotional and cognitive development, as the progress from appreciating simplistic lyrics, melodies and chord progressions.
- It is a strong bonding element in their relationships with their peers, family members and teachers
- It helps them to appreciate the advantages of disciplined effort; improvements are noticeable with practice, whether singing or on an instrument
- I believe that when children are not given the opportunity to develop their talent and channel their creativity in a positive way, they will channel this energy in not so positive ways.
Predictions are that the funding for the arts will continue to be cut and it will eventually make its way into the schools leaving the children in socio economical difficulties with no exposure to the arts what so ever. Taking away this opportunity of self expression, release and creativity will create troubled teens. Maria Manna Bursary Fund will cater to the artistic child that cannot afford lessons outside of school.
Donations can be made to the Maria Manna Bursary Fund in person, by phone or mail.
Address and phone number to the Victoria Conservatory of Music:
907 Pandora Ave
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 2L2
(250) 386-5311
Visa, Mastercard, cash or cheque are all accepted.
Please note that payments should be made payable to the Victoria Conservatory for Music - Maria Manna Bursary.
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PAST NEWS
NEWS - the MMBF kicks of its fundraising with a cocktail reception hosted by the Canadian Legends of Rock and Roll.
On September 30th, you can have the opportunity to meet Mike Reno from Loverboy, Jeff Neill from Streetheart, and Scott Brown from Trooper. They will be hosting a reception event at the Executive House Hotel. Meet these three rock legends while you enjoy appetizers. The Executive House Hotel has generously donated 100% of the costs for this event so all the proceeds can go to support this worth charity. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk of the Executive House Hotel. Cost $75 . For more information contact info@mariamannamusic.com
The cocktail party was a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone who helps make it possible.