The Saskatchewan Band Association is pleased to honour the memory of long-time Saskatchewan Band Director and SBA volunteer Greg McLean by awarding $700 scholarships each year to Saskatchewan Music Education students planning to become band directors/teachers.
Greg grew up on the family farm in Manitoba, graduated from the University of Brandon, and with wife Marcia, raised 3 children while achieving outstanding success with his School Band programs in Esterhazy and Swift Current. In addition to his School Band programs, Greg was a founding member of the Saskatchewan Band Association. He served on the SBA Board of Directors, was a clinician and conductor at SBA Band Camps for over 25 years and provided ongoing mentorship to new band directors.
Greg also conducted the Swift Current Oratorio Choir and directed the Swift Current Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble he established. In 2011-2012, Greg became the Interim Director of Bands at the University of Regina. Greg loved to share his leadership and conducting skills with University Interns, and Honour Band participants in Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and even PEI. Over the years he was also a valued adjudicator, guest conductor and clinician at numerous Band Festivals across Canada. Greg lived his passion and pursuit of excellence as a Band Director, encouraging and inspiring Band students of all ages, to play and be their best at all times.
In recognition of Greg's support for quality education and internship experiences and his mentorship of new band directors, the SBA is pleased to award SBA Band Internship Memorial Scholarships annually in his memory.
Criteria
SBA Band Internship Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to Saskatchewan Music Education program students preparing for or in their internship year.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Currently attending a Saskatchewan University Music Education program and preparing for or engaged in their 4-month internship within 12 months of the application deadline;
- Have arranged for or are intending to intern with an elementary or high school band program (within 12 months of the application deadline);
- Have made/are making a significant contribution to their University Band Program
- Have demonstrated leadership and involvement with the band community beyond their school program - such as involvement with Community Bands, Band Festivals, Band Camps and Honour Bands etc.
- Displays the qualities of Greg McLean, including hard work, organization, love of music, zest for life and a clear passion for Band.
Application Requirements:
- Fully complete the online application form below
- Include two short letters of recommendation from the applicant's University Band Director, Community Band Director, Music/Band Festival Coordinator, Instructors or Internship Band Director.
The SBA Awards committee will review all applications and choose the recipients. A maximum of two scholarships will be awarded annually based on available funding and quality of the applications received.
Annual deadline for applications: March 15.