The Beneath the Arch concert series has provided $6,000 in bursaries to a dozen young performers this year.
Thanks to a full slate of shows and the introduction of an adventure raffle, the not-for-profit society behind Diamond Valley’s long-running concert series has been able to offer greater financial support to local students.
“We are thrilled to be able to help so many students with their pursuit of performing arts excellence and blown away by the dedication and passion these kids have for their chosen field,” said Cathy McVee, a Beneath the Arch board member overseeing the bursary program.
The society typically awards about $1,500 in bursaries on an annual basis through money raised from 50/50 draws at concerts, but this year, thanks to several local businesses, an adventure raffle was added that has substantially increased the pool of available money.
Bursary recipients included: Macy Richardson, Emily Welsh, Winslow Way, Ava Friesen, Alex Scott, Jaxon Ference, Warner Hodgins, Lily Kaack, Brady Maull, Hannah Supple, Lena Fehr and Anna-Lee Fehr.
The bursary program is only open to students in grades 4 to 12 who live or go to school in Diamond Valley, Longview, Millarville and Priddis. The bursary can be used toward lessons, tuition, event or rental fees, materials and more.
Beneath the Arch received a record 24 applications this year and awarded 12 bursaries in varying denominations.
At $2,000, Macy Richardson, a Grade 11 student at Oilfields High School who plays piano, bass guitar, banjo and cello, received the largest bursary this year after getting a much smaller sum in 2022.
“I am very grateful to receive this bursary two years in a row,” Richardson said. “The way that the public got behind the ‘Win a Canoe’ campaign was amazing and all the work that the volunteer board members put into this bursary allows many Foothills youth to pursue their passions in the arts. Last year I used the money to take cello lessons and I got to be part of the Foothills Youth Strings Ensemble.”
Richardson said she will use the bursary money to continue taking cello lessons and will be looking to specialize in either piano or cello, depending on how much progress she makes in the coming year.
She’s considering becoming a music therapist after seeing the benefits it provided her sister while in hospital.
“We at Beneath the Arch are so proud of Macy and the example she set for our community,” said McVee.
The following individuals won raffle prizes:
• Canoe and accessories valued at $4,000 from Tom’s Marine & Sports in Diamond Valley — Gillian Gray from DeWinton
• Golf adventure for four valued at $370 from Turner Valley Golf Club — Bridget Couban from Diamond Valley
• E-Bike adventure package valued at $230 from Rollick Co. and The Market — Jane Toews from Diamond Valley
McVee said Beneath the Arch is grateful to all its sponsors, volunteers and community members for their support of the concert series and encourages music lovers to check out the 2023/2024 concert lineup at beneaththearch.ca.
The season will kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 16 with Del Barber & Band performing at the Flare n' Derrick. Tickets for the season and individual concerts can be purchased now and many of the shows are expected to sell out.
