Awards & Scholarships
Every year SMEA presents a number of awards, scholarships and bursaries to recognize outstanding music leaders, students and volunteers and to support the continued success of music education in Saskatchewan.
SMEA Provincial Awards
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The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) is proud to recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to music education in Saskatchewan. Through our prestigious awards, we honor those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion for advancing music education. These awards celebrate the impact that music educators have on students, communities, and the profession as a whole.
Honourary Lifetime Award
The Honourary Lifetime Award is one of the highest honors presented by SMEA, recognizing retired or current members who have made a profound, lasting impact on music education in Saskatchewan. This award honors those who have elevated the value of music education, made significant contributions, and shown long-term dedication to the field.
Recipients must have demonstrated one or more of the following:
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Elevating the Value of Music Education – Advocating for music education and enhancing its profile in Saskatchewan.
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Making a Significant Impact – Leading initiatives or programs that positively influence music education.
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Contributing to SMEA and Music Education – Long-term commitment to the growth of music education in Saskatchewan through service, mentorship, or advocacy.
SMEA Outstanding Achievement Award
The SMEA Outstanding Achievement Award is presented annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to music education in Saskatchewan. This award recognizes either a singular outstanding achievement or sustained dedication to excellence in the field.
Eligibility & Criteria
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Open to individuals who have made a significant impact on music education in Saskatchewan.
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Nominees may be recognized for:
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A singular, exceptional achievement in music education.
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Long-term dedication to excellence, innovation, or leadership in music education.
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Nominees do not need to be current or former SMEA members.
SMEA Alumni Achievement Award
The SMEA Alumni Achievement Award honors an alumnus or alumna who has made exceptional contributions to music education, both within Saskatchewan and internationally. This award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding dedication, innovation, and leadership throughout their careers.
Nomination Process (Same for All Three Awards)
To nominate someone for any of the above awards, please submit a written nomination (maximum 200 words) that highlights the nominee’s contributions, accomplishments, and impact on music education.
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Nominations may be edited for publication.
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The nomination deadline for all awards is June 30 of each fiscal year.
Canadian Music Educator Association Awards
Canadian Music Educators’ Association Awards
The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) proudly recognizes outstanding individuals in the field of music education through awards facilitated by the Canadian Music Educators Association (CMEA). These prestigious awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of educators across Canada who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for advancing music education.
Award Categories:
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Honourary Life Member
The Honourary Life Member award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding, lifelong contributions to music education in Canada. This award is reserved for those who have had a significant impact on the development and advancement of music education through their work, leadership, and advocacy within the field. -
Builders Award
The Builders Award acknowledges individuals who have played a key role in advancing music education by building community or establishing meaningful collaborations. This award is offered in two categories:-
CMEA/Acme Builders Award
This award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions to music education by fostering partnerships and community-building within the profession. -
CMEA/Acme Builders Award for Newer Teachers
Designed for educators in their first five years of teaching, this award celebrates those who have shown promise and dedication in their early years as music educators, contributing to the field through innovation and engagement.
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Nominations:
Nominations for these awards can be submitted by colleagues, peers, or administrators who recognize the exemplary work of an individual in music education. To nominate someone for these awards, please submit a completed nomination form along with supporting documents that demonstrate the nominee’s impact and achievements in the field of music education.
Eligibility and Requirements:
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Honourary Life Member
Nominees for the Honourary Life Member award must have a proven track record of outstanding service and contributions to the field of music education in Canada. -
CMEA/Acme Builders Award
Nominees for the Builders Award must have made substantial contributions to advancing music education by fostering collaboration, community engagement, or innovative practices. -
CMEA/Acme Builders Award for Newer Teachers
Nominees must be within their first five years of teaching and have demonstrated promise and commitment to music education through impactful work in their schools or communities.
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation, each award nomination is reviewed by a committee of music education professionals. The final decision is based on the extent of the nominee’s contributions to the field and their ongoing commitment to the growth and development of music education in Canada.
For more information on how to nominate someone for an award or to access the nomination form, please visit the SMEA website or contact the association directly.
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SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES
Celebrating Excellence in Music Education: SMEA Scholarships & Awards
The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) is committed to recognizing and supporting outstanding music educators and students across the province. Through scholarships and awards, we celebrate excellence, dedication, and contributions to music education in Saskatchewan.
University Scholarships (Awarded annually in partnership with Saskatchewan universities)
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Rj Staples Scholarship ($500) – Presented to a third- or fourth-year Music Education student at the University of Saskatchewan in recognition of academic achievement and contributions to performing ensembles within the Department of Music.
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Frank Connell Scholarship ($500) – Presented to a third- or fourth-year Music Education student at the University of Regina in recognition of academic achievement and contributions to performing ensembles within the Department of Music.
Memorial Scholarships (Honoring the legacy of outstanding music educators and performers)
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Graeme Steen Memorial Scholarship – Awarded annually to the top student in both the Provincial Honour Groups Choir and Provincial Honour Groups Band. Recipients are selected by the conductor and Honour Groups Chair based on musical excellence and leadership.
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Maureen Patterson Memorial Scholarship – Presented at the discretion of the SMEA Board of Directors to a deserving individual who exemplifies the passion and dedication to music education that Maureen Patterson inspired in her students. This award is given on an as-merited basis in recognition of outstanding commitment and leadership in music education.
Through these scholarships, SMEA continues to support and celebrate the next generation of music educators and performers, ensuring a vibrant future for music education in Saskatchewan.
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We Need Your Support!
Awarding these scholarships remains a priority for SMEA, but in order to do so, we need your support! As a result, we are challenging all music teachers, former music students and anyone who believes music education is worth supporting, to make a donation to the SMEA, which will directly benefit our Special Scholarship Fundraising program. All contributors will be issued a charitable tax receipt and will be acknowledged in our newsletters and annual report for that period. Any amount of support is worthwhile and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!