The Connie MacDonald Scholarship Fund was initiated by UJAM (Universal Jazz Advocates and Mentors) to foster the music education of young jazz vocalists.

 

Connie’s love of music, and especially singing, started at a young age. She was often given the lead role in school musicals and even though she did not receive any formal music training she won many prizes at local music festivals in her beloved Charlottetown.

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Throughout her adult life Connie continued to enjoy singing in the community, performing with friends at home gatherings, at Hermann’s Jazz Club, and with the Conservatory of Music. Connie was a lifelong learner: taking voice lessons to improve her technique, piano and theory lessons to improve her knowledge, and even computer lessons to improve her understanding of how to download a recording of a song she wanted to practice. Connie’s devoted efforts resulted in many successful performances, but it wasn’t only her skills that elevated her performances, it was her passion for the music itself. Connie sang with her heart, her body, and her soul. Every performance was authentic and energized by her commitment to the music and to her audience.

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Connie’s love of singing was only surpassed by her love of community and the importance she placed on treating others with compassion, respect, and integrity. These values factored into her daily life and every performance she shared with others.