Ontario Fiddle and Step Dance Scene

Applications being accepted for the 2023 Danny O'Connell Memorial Award.

Terms of Reference

When he left us, Danny was a full-tim student in business studies at Algonquin College and involved in recreational sports - but above all else, he was a force in the Ottawa Valley traditional music scene.

Danny began instruction with old-tim fiddler Gerald Meehan at age 6 and won his first contest soon thereafter. He became a regular in the contest circuit in Canada and the U.S. sometimes walking away a champion and frequently a finalist in these competitions.

From his teachers - Bruce Wilson, Louis Schryer, Denis Lanctot - to several musical excursions to Ireland, Danny honed his talent. His immersion in the burgeoning culture of the "session" milieu with friends and musical associates helped Dan develop a personal style that is prevalent on his CD, Green Fields of the Valley.

In keeping with Dan's appreciation of the support he received from the Ottawa Traditional Fiddling and Folk Art Society, Renfrew County Fiddlers, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, and the Irish Society of the National Capital, this fund is meant to foster the development of future generations of traditional fiddlers who may bring joy to many hearts and keep alive the fun, camaraderie, tolerance and respect Dan enjoyed so much in the traditional music fraternity.

The Danny O'Connell Memorial Fund was established in 200, to support Ottawa Valley traditional "old-time" or Celtic fiddlers under 25 years of age, who demonstrate musical potential and financial need.

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Number:

One award will be offered per year.

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Value:

The award is valued at $2,000.

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Eligibility:

A youth under the age of 25 who is an Ottawa Valley resident (as defined in Wikipedia) demonstrating musical potential and financial need.

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Application:

Applicants will apply by submitting the following to the Danny O'Connell Award Selection Committee at dannyoconnellaward@gmail.com

• a one page letter to outline their musical goals and aspirations, their current financial situation and why this award is important to them;

• a letter of reference from a supporting third party who is NOT a family member, such as a current or former instructor, an organization like the Irish Society of National Capital, or a school teacher

• evidence of performance preferably via cloud digital means like YouTube video or Google drive shared audio/video clip. Please no physical CDs or USB sticks. Professional quality is not necessary, standard smartphone style is acceptable. 

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Administration:

The Danny O'Connell Memorial Award is administered by the Ottawa Community Foundation. The selection will be made by the Danny O'Connell Award Selection Committee established by Colleen O'Connell-Campbell.

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Deadline:

May 1, 2o23

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Selection:

End June 2023

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Contact:

For award information:

Colleen O'Connell-Campbell

dannyoconnellwarad@gmail.com