Marcus Award Winners Announced

The Council of Canadian Bassoonists is delighted to announce the 2025 winners of our two annual scholarships for young Canadian bassoonists – The Frank Marcus Awards

Legendary Canadian Bassoon guru Frank Marcus

Renowned throughout North America for fifty years of brilliant repairs and guidance to countless bassoonists, Frank Marcus is the most respected bassoon technician of our time.

The Marcus Awards were adjudicated by a distinguished jury:

Darren Hicks, National Arts Centre Orchestra
Nicolas Richard, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Roy Rochette, Windsor Symphony & National Ballet Orchestra 
Michael Hope, Calgary Philharmonic 
Stephen Franse, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra [retired]
Barbara Finch, Sault Ste, Marie
Kristin Day,  Wilfrid Laurier University & Orchestra Toronto
Julia Nolan, University of British Columbia
The Marcus Awards were curated by Council member Emily Gibb

Congratulations to Jaclyn Yee and Eric Li!

Jaclyn Yee is a student of Eric Hall’s at the University of Toronto.

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of the 2025 Frank Marcus Award.   As I enter the final year of my Bachelor’s degree I feel especially motivated to work harder than ever before while reminding myself to enjoy the process along the way!  This upcoming year, on top of playing my first solo recital at the end of September I will be preparing for my postgraduate studies and also taking my first professional auditions  Though thinking about these future endeavours can get nerve wracking, I am looking forward to these very exciting opportunities to meet people, get more insight into the industry, and discover more about myself through it all.  I am eager to continue exploring different concepts/methods on the bassoon with various teachers, and I am determined to overcome obstacles both on the instrument and within my reed making.  I hope that one day I could use my findings to help guide young musicians embarking on their own journeys who may experience the same challenges I face in and outside of music, just as my teachers have done for me.  I am grateful to my family, mentors and friends whose love and support has brought me this far as a musician.  Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the COCB for all their time and effort which continues to leave a lasting impact on the education and community of bassoonists all over Canada.”

Eric Li is a student of Stéphane Levesque at McGill University.  He assumes the position of principal bassoon for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra in January, 2026.

“I am immensely honoured to receive the 2025 Frank Marcus Award, and I am incredibly grateful to the
Council of Canadian Bassoonists for their generosity in making this possible.
This year will be eventful. I am looking forward to completing my master’s degree at McGill
University with Professor Stéphane Lévesque, while I begin working with the Thunder Bay Symphony
in the new year. Currently on the audition circuit, my next steps are to take the auditions for Symphony
Nova Scotia and Orchestre Symphonique de Québec in November. Another project I want to take on
this year is to apply and audition for summer programs in Europe. I have always dreamed of studying
bassoon in Europe to gain new ideas and perspectives on how to approach the instrument. I hope to
make new connections with musicians from around the world by participating in European festivals,
which will help me establish a foothold and open doors to new opportunities on the other side of the
world. I will be spending a considerable amount of time preparing for these auditions. Having recently
developed an attention to detail, I will pay close attention to refining my vibrato, articulations, and note
connections when I practice and prepare for the auditions. I am also looking forward to spending more
time in my practice sessions, exploring and unlocking possibilities in colours and expression that I can
apply to my performances. I am thankful to receive this award, for it will help fund my audition
expenses and application fees for summer programs, and help launch me into the next stage of my career.
One day, I look forward to giving back to the amazing bassoon community that has graciously supported me throughout my studies.”

Contact Us

  • Are you a bassoonist of any age looking for help?
  • Do you wish to donate reeds, music or even a bassoon?
  • Do you have a bassoon for sale and want to list it in our marketplace?
  • Do you have a bassoon event to publicize?
  • Do you have ideas, questions or comments about our website content?

COCB Footer Contact Form

© The Council of Canadian Bassoonists. Website by Mighty Sparrow Design.