The Stairwell Carollers Annual Scholarship is awarded to a National Capital area
high school graduate who will be pursuing a bachelor of music at a Canadian University.
Potential candidates can apply for the scholarship through their school Student Services Department,
or click here to access our application forms online.

Gabrielle Porter is one of two recipients of the 2010 Stairwell Carollers' scholarship. Gabi is attending McGill University for a Bachelors degree in performance tuba. After her BMUS she intends to get a masters degree in performance or go to teachers college. Her ultimate dream would be to play principle tuba in a major orchestra and be able to teach to younger musicians; best of both worlds! She hopes to show one day that girls can play the tuba too!

Celina Hawkins is the second recipient of the 2010 Stairwell Carollers' scholarship. She is a graduate of the Canterbury High School music program. It was through the guidance of her private teacher of 6 years, Angela Casagrande, that Celina developed a love and passion for the oboe. In the fall, Celina will be in the Bachelor of Music program at Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in oboe performance. She hopes to share her passion for music by one day playing in a symphony orchestra.

Adel Kerkadi is the 2009 recipient of the         Stairwell Carollers scholarship.     He is a graduate of École secondaire publique De La Salle, where he studied music theory, as well as instrumental and vocal music. Singing has always been one of his passions; he gave his first public vocal performance at age 9! Over the years, Adel has made significant musical contributions within his community and school. Adel has been accepted into the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Ottawa. He hopes to become a virtuoso musician and to study composition. Best of luck in all of your endeavours, Adel!

Andrew Burn is one of two recipients of the 2008 Stairwell Carollers' scholarship. During his years at Canterbury High School, Andrew developed a love for music composition. With the support of his parents, he took private music theory and composition classes (on top of his required private Bassoon lessons) with Dr. Maya Badian. Andrew is attending Carleton University (September 2008). He looks forward to practicing on his new Heckel Bassoon and Praetorius Alto Recorder. Our best to Andrew, wishing him every success in all of his future endeavours – musical and otherwise!

Geoff McNeely is the second recipient of our 2008 scholarship. Geoff is a recent graduate of Nepean High School. Geoff will be attending Montreal’s Concordia University for a major in Integrative Music Studies, to which he hopes to add a specialization in jazz. Geoff is a guitar player who encompasses a large spectrum of musical performance styles including jazz, classical, rock, pop, blues, funk and many others. Throughout high school Geoff contributed to many school projects including musicals, jazz bands, and personal bands that performed at many community/school events. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, having experience on piano, voice, trumpet, and french horn. In addition, Geoff is versed when it comes to composition and recording, and plans to use all of the abilities to further his career as a musician. Good luck Geoff!

Corey Arnold, of Ashbury College, is the 2007 recipient of our Scholarship. He has been accepted at both McGill University and the University of Toronto, and plans to major in voice performance. Corey also plans to study music theory and history, piano, composition, conducting, musical theatre, dance voice pedagogy, production direction and the use of computers in music. At some point, he would like to take a teaching position in a university music program. Over the last 4 years, Corey has taken part in many school and community musical events, both as a singer (tenor) and musician (piano, trombone and tuba). He has won many awards and bursaries for his participation in choirs, musical productions, festivals, ensembles and competitions. The Stairwell Carollers wish Corey every success in all of his future endeavours – musical and otherwise!

Geneviève Colletta from École secondaire publique De La Salle is the 2006 recipient of the Stairwell Carollers Scholarship. She has been accepted in the Bachelor of Music program at Ottawa University this fall and plans to major in voice performance. Future plans involve a year of studying in Europe and then completing a Master’s degree in voice. Geneviève has won numerous awards and participated in several festivals, choirs and ensembles in the area during the course of her 4 years in high school. The carollers wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours.

Left to right: Diane Fraser (Chairperson Scholarship Committee), Corey Payette, Pierre Massie (Director)

Corey Payette from Canterbury High School in Ottawa is the 2005 recipient. Corey is studying music composition, digital electronic media (producing), music & cultures as well as other courses at York University. He teaches piano and voice part time at the York Region Conservatory of Music and recently did a masterclass. He is co-producer on INDIGO RECORDS new CD compilation due out in May 2006. On November 11, 2005 Corey performed at the Toronto Centre for the Arts in an event that garnered media attention. For upcoming performances, CD releases and pictures visit... http://coreypayette.tripod.com/

Selina McDonell formerly of John McCrae Secondary School in Nepean is the 2004 recipient. She is currently doing her third year Baccalaureate in Music at the University of Ottawa, majoring in vocal performance. Selina has participated in several choirs, including Calixa Lavallée and The Choral Ensemble of the University of Ottawa. Each of the past three years Selina has performed in the annual University of Ottawa Opera including the 2007 production of Dialogues des Carmélites by Francis Poulenc.