• Ron MacKay 'Music for Life' Award

    Ron MacKayRon MacKay was a respected performer, educator, writer, arranger, and friend to musicians of all ages and levels of experience. Beginning his music education at age ten and still active until he passed away at age seventy-nine, Ron made a life-long commitment to making music and sharing his gifts with others. The Ron MacKay ‘Music for Life’ Award is a celebration of his love and commitment to music.

    In the fall of 2007, Laura Mercer organized a fall community band festival to celebrate Ron MacKay’s 80th year. Out of this event grew a desire to honour Ron and his work with community bands. This led to the development of the Ron MacKay ‘Music for Life’ Award!

    At a committee meeting in January 2008, those present said they participate in community bands for their soul, for the enrichment it brings to their lives, for their love of music, for their continued growth as musicians, for the different dimension it brings to life, for the sense of teamwork, and the togetherness - a sense of community, and the positive challenge it presents.

    Through this annual Award we recognize and support community bands and foster the ongoing pursuit of ‘Music for Life’ in Ron’s name.

    Ron MacKay 'Music for Life' Application Form

  • Ron MacKay Memorial Donations

    Donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Ron MacKay 'Music for Life' Award. Please make checks payable to: NSBA Ron MacKay Award and forward to:

    NSBA - Ron MacKay Award
    c/o Kay Greene, Treasurer
    3438 Hwy 215
    Centre Burlington
    Hants Co., NS
    B0N 1E0

    The NSBA will issue tax receipts as we are now a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency.

  • Music For Life Award Winners

    2009
    Second Wind Community Band - a horn choir led by Julie Cuming

    2008
    Scotia Brass - a recording of selections composed or arranged by Ron MacKay

  • Ron MacKay's Musical Chair

    Ron MacKay - Celtic Colours 2007

    Ron MacKay’s Musical Chair may be awarded at any Nova Scotia Band Association sanctioned community band event.

    The award is open to all participants who have paid tuition. One name will be drawn from the eligible participants and this award recipient will receive a tuition refund.

    The award recipient will be announced at the event and on the Nova Scotia Band Association website.