The Terry Penner Scholarship

Terry Penner was a partner in both the business and life of Arthur McGregor. From the beginning of the Ottawa Folklore Centre, Terry helped support the dream by earning family income while the store didn't! After a few years, Terry became the financial manager and finally, the school manager. Her focus and ability to find the middle path endeared her to the staff, students, suppliers and customers. Terry died of breast cancer in November 2000. Her retirement party in 1998 is still remembered by the hundreds who were there. (remember the naked guy?).
The Terry Penner Scholarship is awarded annually to any student of the Ottawa Folklore Centre who is recommended by their teacher as someone who puts in extra effort pursuing their music. The scholarship consists of 12 private lessons, a frame-able certificate and their name on the trophy (designed by Chandler Swain).

The Roma McMillan Fiddle Scholarship.

First awarded in 1989, this scholarship celebrates the queen of Ottawa's fiddlers. Roma taught for nearly ten years at the Folklore Centre, introducing hundreds of children and adults to the joy of fiddling. With her valley charm, her musical knowledge and her firm patience, Roma helped the Folklore Centre build the school of music to its current status. Roma presented most of the awards at our annual soup supper and usually played a couple of tunes for us. She presented the 2007 Fiddle Scholarship in February of this year. Roma died on July 4th, 2007 at 96 years of age.

The Ottawa Folklore Centre Amateur Knock-out Bagpipe Trophy

has been awarded annually since 1984. The award was created to promote excellence in younger pipers. It is presented by the Ottawa Branch of the Pipers and Pipe Band Society of Ontario. Five of the recipients have been teachers at the Folklore Centre. There's never enough pipes.

Winner of the Ottawa Folklore Centre Trophy for 2008

Piping "A" Division Jonathan Verrett

The David Tinkoff Mandolin Scholarship

is presented in memory of our late staff member. The scholarship consists of 12 private lessons, a frame-able certificate and their name on the trophy. The trophy has yet to be designed.

The first presentation was in February of 2008 to a player of any 4 or 8-stringed instrument who demonstrates a true love of the instrument.

David Tinkoff worked at the Folklore Centre as 'gate-keeper', evening watchman and maintenance guy for many years. His strong tenor voice and studied mandolin playing made him a sought-after picker in the bluegrass world.

David was hit by a car across from the Folklore Centre on his way to work. He never recovered and died a year later.

For several years now, OFC Music and MASC have co-sponsored a scholarship equal to 6 months of private lessons offered to a young musician chosen by the board of directors of MASC.

MASC