EPO Student Scholarship

Aidan Prendergast is an orchestral and jazz percussionist who currently plays in a variety of groups, in and out of school. Aidan began percussion at the age of 8 though once he started middle school at John G Althouse, music grew to become a large part of his life. He is currently in Grade 11 at Martingrove Collegiate Institute, and began playing with the EPO at the start of Grade 10. He is currently the Principal Percussionist in the Etobicoke Youth Band, as well as the MCI Senior Concert Band, and in 2018 he was awarded the Ontario Band Association Award for Leadership and Musical Excellence. Aidan also regularly volunteers at several camps to teach younger musicians the fundamentals of playing in a full percussion section. He is very happy to have received an EPO Student Scholarship this year, and looks forward to his future with the EPO.

Due to his active childhood, Alec never really considered music as anything but something to have in the background of a sports match. That all changed in Grade 6 at John G. Althouse, when he was introduced to the cello. Alec quickly made the transition from athlete to musician, much to the disdain of his gym teachers. Now Alec plays in multiple orchestras and string ensembles inside and outside of school, including the EPO, which he joined partway through Grade 10. He is very happy to have won one of the EPO’s scholarships, and looks forward to playing with them in the new season!

Iman Hussein is currently in grade 12 at Martingrove Collegiate Institute where she is actively involved in the music program and various other school activities. Iman has been playing the double bass for 6 years, and hopes to continue for many more years to come. During her free time outside of music she enjoys volunteering with community organizations, playing soccer, and hiking. Iman has been performing with the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra since she was in grade 9, and is very excited to start the new season with us as a scholarship recipient!

Jamal Allicock is a first year Financial Math student at Ryerson starting his third year with EPO. Jamal started playing the viola in grade 6 in the middle school music program, then his playing was strengthened by Martingrove CI's music program. He studied violin with Jungmin Lee and Carolina Herrera, and has performed alongside the Ontario Pops Orchestra, the Ontario Strings Association Youth Orchestra, along with a multitude of school music groups. His past 2 seasons in EPO helped him grow as a musician, and he's excited for another!

Kelly Lee is entering grade 12 this fall at Earl Haig Secondary School. She started playing the violin 9 years ago at her parent’s suggestion, and as the time goes, enjoys it more and more. In addition to currently being in the Claude Watson Music Program as a string major, Kelly has attended IMC (Interprovincial Music Camp) to gain ensemble playing experience and is also currently Concertmaster of the Sohrae Youth Orchestra. Kelly has participated in many competitions including Kiwanis Music and North York Music Competitions. She also had the opportunity to participate at the OMFA Provincial Music Competition as a member of Claude Watson Symphony Orchestra. Her goal in music is to continue to study music at University. Ultimately she wants to be a member of an orchestra because orchestral experience has given her the best moments in her musical life. Kelly is honoured to join the EPO in this 2019-2020 season.

Marija Ivicevic is a grade 10 student at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts. She began playing the violin at age 5 and is currently study with Tanya Charles Iveniuk at Regent Park School of Music. Music has always played an important role in her life. Her orchestral experience began at the Kingsway Conservatory of Music, where she had the privilege of playing alongside members of such acclaimed Baroque Chamber ensembles as Aradia and Tafelmusik. One of her favourite experiences as a musician was performing and spending a day with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. At Cardinal Carter she is involved in various orchestras that perform several concerts throughout the year, in addition to competing at various music festivals including Kiwanis and the Ontario Strings Association.

Marija is honoured to be the recipient of the Charlotte Thorpe Memorial Scholarship and very excited to be playing violin with the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra for their 2019/2020 season.

Surbhi Rao is currently a student at Martingrove Collegiate Institute. She started playing the cello at John G. Althhouse in grade 6 and fell in love with it immediately. Since then, she has played in various school and community orchestras, including All City Orchestra and the Ontario Strings Association Youth Orchestra. She takes private lessons outside of school with Dayoung Seo. In her free time, Surbhi enjoys learning new instruments and spending time with her family. She is excited to be playing with the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra this year.