Ron MacKay ‘Music for Life’ Award
Through this award, the Nova Scotia Band Association pays tribute to a respected performer, educator, writer, arranger and friend to musicians of all ages and levels of experience. Ron MacKay began his music education at the age of ten and continued to be very active in the band community right up 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.
Congratulations to Past Recipients
2008 Scotia Brass For a recording of selections composed or arranged by Ron MacKay.
2009 Second Wind Community Band For the start up costs associated with forming The Ron MacKay Horn choir led by Julie Cuming.
2019 Sackville 9AM Band
For the purchase of new music.
2020 Pictou County Brass and Reeds For the purchase of new music.
2020 Second Winds Community Band Band Festival
2020 Pictou Youth Band Instrument Purchase
2022 Chester Brass Band
Purchase of new chairs for the band room.
History
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 by many community musicians 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 participated 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 will endeavor to recognize and support our provincial community bands and foster their ongoing pursuit of ‘Music for Life’ in Ron’s name.
Ron MacKay Music for Life Award Application
Ron MacKay Memorial Donations
Donations in memory of Ron can still be made to the Ron MacKay ‘Music for Life’ Award fund. Please make cheques payable to: NSBA Ron MacKay Award and forward to:
NSBA – Ron MacKay Award
Hope Gendron, NSBA Executive Director
210-721 Windmill Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B3B 0J7