In 1996, KW ORMTA member Louise Maria Ritz left $2,000.00 for our Branch to invest and use towards awards for music students. The first LMR Awards were presented in 1997.

Arline Larsen was an active member of our Branch for many years. She served as President and Recital Convenor providing vision and leadership for our Millennium Concerts held November 2000, which led to significant financial and professional success for our Branch. Arline retired and moved in 2003. A fund was created, using proceeds from the Millennium Concert, and awarded annually since the fall of 2003.

In March 2008, the branch merged the two funds to continue to present awards annually. The Ritz/Larsen Awards are intended to recognize dedicated students and encourage them to continue with their musical studies.

Guidelines:

• Each teacher in the Branch may choose one student per year who, demonstrates a consistently high level of performance, a positive attitude, and a commitment to music.
  
  
• Each teacher may submit the name of the "special student" along with a one-page letter of recommendation for that student indicating the age and level of musical study.
  
  
• Submissions are to be sent to the Ritz/Larsen commitee who will purchase the awards and print the certificates.
  
  
• Awards will be presented at the final Branch recital of each year.
  
  
• Award recipients do not need to perform at the recital
  
  
• The Ritz-Larsen Awards will be presented annually in the form of music, musical books, CD's or gift certificates for such items. 
  
  

   Printable version of Ritz-Larsen Awards Guidelines

Application Deadline: TBA

Submit applications to:
Ritz-Larsen Awards Committee
c/o Joanne Bender
22 McDougall Rd.
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 2W5

Email: joannebender@hotmail.com