THE HISTORY OF THIS SCHOLARSHIP

On October 10, 1982, The Suzuki music community was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of its dear friend, colleague, and teacher- Sheila Hall Van Gijn. She was just 26 years old, and had already accomplished so much in her short life.

Born in Ottawa, Sheila began her music training during her public school days. In high school she played the viola in the Ottawa Youth Orchestra and piano at the Ottawa Music Festival. At the age of sixteen, she won the Mildred L. Creed Memorial Trophy and several scholarships.

Sheila attended the University of Western Ontario in the Honours program as a viola and piano double major. During her university days, she joined the University of Western Ontario Orchestra, the chamber orchestra and the New Composer Orchestra and participated in varied ensemble works. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Music degree and joined the Seneca Suzuki School of Music in Toronto where she taught piano.

Sheila loved teaching and before her death had sixty students. She believed deeply in the Suzuki philosophy of teaching. Sheila helped found the Toronto Suzuki Association to further enrich the lives of Suzuki families. She attended many summer Institutes in Canada and the United States and encouraged her students to do likewise. She saw the benefits that children derive from the Institutes and wanted each of her students to experience the teaching excellence combined with the camaraderie found there.

To perpetuate her memory, Sheila’s family and friends have established the Sheila

Hall Van Gijn Scholarship Fund to encourage Suzuki music students to attend summer Institutes. Scholarships have been awarded annually since 1983.

TORONTO

SUZUKI

ASSOCIATION