Paul Pandos Bursary
Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural 2026 Paul Pandos Bursary.
Rhys Thornton
Rhys Thornton is a multi-instrumentalist from the Belleville area. Music has been a defining part of his life, shaping both his personal growth and his future aspirations. From an early curiosity about rhythm and sound, he developed a passion that has steadily evolved into a clear academic and professional goal. Throughout high school, he immersed himself in a wide range of musical experiences that challenged him to grow technically, creatively and collaboratively. As a drummer, Rhys had the opportunity to perform at the 2023 Prince Edward County Jazz Festival with the PEC Jazz Youth Ensemble, an experience that strengthened his ability to collaborate at a high level. As a saxophonist in his school’s Jazz Band for four years, he refined his tone, technique and improvisation while learning to listen and respond within an ensemble. He also expanded his musicianship through piano and guitar in the Rock Band and by contributing to musical theatre productions and variety shows. Rhys has completed Level 8 Piano and Theory certifications through the Royal Conservatory of Music as well as Level 9 and 10 Music History. Rhys is entering the Bachelor of Music program at Western University, where he will continue developing performance abilities while expanding his knowledge in theory, composition, and music history. |
Sarah Monaghan
Sarah Monaghan is an upright bass player from Kingston, Ontario passionate about diverse styles of music–especially jazz. She loves big bands, improvisation, and jamming with all kinds of musicians and ensembles. Sarah’s musical journey began from a young age with piano lessons. In grade eight, she started learning electric bass and playing in gigging bands around the Kingston area, as well as in a multitude of school ensembles. Over the course of high school, Sarah joined jazz bands, concert bands, choirs, and pit bands. When Sarah picked up the upright bass in grade ten, she fell in love with its warm, percussive sound, especially in jazz, laying down the foundation of the band. She soon joined ensembles with her upright bass like the Kingston Youth Orchestra and the Kingston Secondary School (KSS) String Ensemble, expanding her musicianship with more styles. She has persistently pursued jazz ever since, co-founding the KSS Jazz Combo, and attending local jazz jam sessions. Recently, she became the bass player for semi-professional big band the Limestone Jazz Collective and began incorporating jazz into her gigs around Kingston. Next year Sarah will be pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Performance for jazz upright bass at the University of Toronto. |
The Paul Pandos Bursary was established in 2026 through a gift from the Family and Friends of Paul Pandos. Paul Pandos was a life-long lover of jazz and a long-time friend and fan of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival.
The Paul Pandos Bursary of $1,000 will be offered annually to a student enrolling in an accredited post-secondary or post-graduate music program.
The bursary is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Preference will be given to students from Prince Edward County, the Bay of Quinte region and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should include the following materials with their application:
Application submissions are now closed for 2026.
The Paul Pandos Bursary of $1,000 will be offered annually to a student enrolling in an accredited post-secondary or post-graduate music program.
The bursary is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Preference will be given to students from Prince Edward County, the Bay of Quinte region and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should include the following materials with their application:
- Download the Paul Pandos Bursary Application form (PDF below).
- You can enter information directly in the form fields OR print and fill the form by hand.
- Gather supporting materials. (See the application form for the list of materials.)
- Email the completed form and supporting materials to [email protected].
Application submissions are now closed for 2026.
| paul_pandos_bursary_application.pdf |
