New in 2022: The Shari Clarke Bursaries

The Halifax Institute of Traditional and Early Music and Bravura Nova Scotia are pleased to announce the creation of the Shari Clarke Bursaries for students in financial need. This bursary normally covers the cost of tuition by term at HITEM. If you would like to apply for a bursary, inquire through our Contact page.

If you would like to donate to the Shari Clarke Bursary Fund and receive a tax-deductible receipt, you are cordially invited to visit the Bravura Nova Scotia website for more information.

These bursaries are established in memory of Shari Ann Clarke (1962-2019), a long-time participant in the early music and traditional music communities in Nova Scotia. Shari played the violin/fiddle and a wide variety of other instruments, some of which she actually built herself, including nyckelharpa, guitar, flute, and cello. She also shared her love of music through teaching, instrument repair, and volunteer work for such organizations as Symphony Nova Scotia and the Boxwood Festival. Originally from Toronto, she studied music at McGill University and then spent the last ~25 years of her life in Halifax. While Shari faced many life challenges, she found a haven in the early music and traditional music communities here, with room to explore and share her musical interests with her own incredible enthusiasm, curiosity, and resourcefulness. Her warmth and generosity and her natural ability to relate to children are fondly remembered.

We at HITEM would like to thank Bravura Nova Scotia, Peter-John Clarke, Chris Purcell, and Joseph Maksym for helping us start this bursary program.