Are you a bassoon student in Canada looking for something to help you stay motivated over the summer? Consider applying for the Frank Marcus Award by the Council of Canadian Bassoonists. Applications close July 15th!
The Frank Marcus Award honours the legacy of Frank Marcus, who has made a profound impact on the bassoonist community through “superb craftsmanship and innovation, elevating professional standards of bassoon repair and improving the lives of bassoonists in Canada and beyond.”
“[The award] celebrates the spirit of community within the Canadian bassoonist community. Aligned with the values of the Council of Canadian Bassoonists, this scholarship is dedicated to fostering the development of bassoonists of all ability and experience levels.”
The award is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled in a full-time music program at an eligible conservatory, certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program.
To apply, you must submit a short written response, two performance examples, and a letter of reference. More information about the application requirements and eligibility can be found here.
There will be two awards given out. First place consists of $1500 and second, $500. Both recipients will also receive a complimentary full day of work on their instrument by the legendary bassoon technician Frank Marcus.
Applications close on July 15th, 2025.
What is the Council of Canadian Bassoonists (COCB)?
COCB is a registered educational charity run by a group of professionals, teachers, students, and friends of the bassoon. It was founded in 2006 by Nadina Mackie and achieved registered charitable status in 2009. In her own words,
“Bassoon players have always tended to be innately philanthropic, giving reeds, lessons, music and sometimes even bassoons to those who want to learn. Ever since I was a student, I wanted to create something permanent that captures the charitable instinct of great bassoon teachers and eager students, somewhere people could turn when they needed help and answers, and where the influence of my mentors and noble colleagues could be emulated and passed on to others. In creating the COCB, I wanted to give myself and other Canadian bassoonists a lasting context, something that can grow over time and with contributions from many gifted people.”
—excerpt from Council of Canadian Bassoonists – now that’s a good idea!
Today, the Board includes members from BC to Quebec, Ontario, the Maritimes, and international members. You can read more about the current board here.
The website features a range of educational resources from playing tips to reed making, and also includes personal stories of bassoonists from across Canada.
There is also a bassoon marketplace that connects players looking to buy and sell their used instruments and reed making equipment.
Interested in supporting the bassoon community in Canada? Donate to the COCB and help them continue to provide these amazing resources and enrich the lives of players nationwide.