Once again, this fall semester, the Second Annual Sheldon Sazant Memorial Fundraiser music extravaganza, will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Salon TD in Downtown Montreal! Named after Steve's Music Store's former manager Sheldon Sazant, who passed away in January 2020, the fund has provided scholarships to students attending the Vanier College Music School for nearly two years now, and will continue doing so for years to come.
Opened in 2022, the Vanier College Music School provides a place for people of all ages to receive first rate music lessons at very reasonable costs. This is especially important since school bands and music classes are disappearing at the primary and secondary level. "At Vanier College, we support music education by keeping it accessible and inclusive. We believe that music can transform, uplift and inspire!" says Alena Perout, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Science. Since opening, the Music School has welcomed some 400 students from the age of 6 to 80!
So far, a total of $23,250 in scholarships has been distributed since fall 2023. Supported by the fundraiser, the scholarships are a definite boon for students. What students have to say;
Jacob who plays jazz piano says, "This scholarship has been nothing short of a blessing for young people with big ambitions and limited resources, and I absolutely do not take this opportunity for granted. As a direct result of the progress made with my teacher, I have been able to take my first steps towards a musical career by playing jazz piano in various retirement homes around the city."
Jessy who plays drums states: "Because I have been practicing a lot recently, my teacher told me that I improved a lot and a tuition scholarship would be very appreciated, and I almost forgot I paid for the course myself."
Violin student, Aya Hammad, has been a studying at the Vanier Music School since its inception. She has twice benefitted from the Sheldon Sazant scholarship, which enabled her to perform with her youth orchestra (Orchestre des Jeunes du Mont Royal) in Carnegie Hall last summer. Aya intends to study music at Vanier College when she graduates from high school.
Seven-year-old Matilda who plays ukulele says, "I will practice a lot of ukulele because I enjoy it and hope to learn more. I love my class and my teacher. I just learned the BIRTHDAY song and I can't wait to play it on my sister's birthday. Thank you for giving me this chance to learn more about the ukulele."
Clearly, the Sheldon Sazant Fundraiser is crucial to support music students. It's an evening of music, food and fun with performing artists this year that include Gabriella and Zander, Theo Jenny Abellard, the Vanier Jazz Ensemble and Vanier's Volume 11. The evening will feature M.C. Alex and DJ Wesley. Tickets include all-you-can-eat BBQ from Lattuca BBQ, drinks and door prizes!
Reserve your seat by sending an email to: fund-music@vaniercollege.qc.ca Each seat price that you reserve is eligible for a tax receipt. The amount of the tax receipt will be the full price of the ticket minus a $40 fee for expenses.
Make it a date, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Le Studio TD, 305 Ste Catherine Street West. Doors open at 5:00 pm.
