Joanne Griffin was a freelance harpist and music educator, and one of the founding members of Northern Lights Harp Fest, which was the precursor and inspiration for the Huron Harp Fest. As a composer, author, and arranger she has a range of harp music available at joannegriffinmusic.com. Sadly, Joanne departed this world too soon, and we want to celebrate her love of music and ability to inspire others.
Huron Harp Fest wishes to recognize the contribution made by Joanne Griffin to the Canadian harp community by offering a scholarship in her name. The scholarship is intended to encourage promising harp players and/or teachers by providing financial assistance ($500) to cover the tuition portion of Huron Harp Fest 2025 for a deserving candidate.
The scholarship is awarded on the basis of achievement and ability, and financial need, if necessary.
To be considered for this scholarship, kindly submit:
- Two letters of recommendation, one of them being from a recognized music teacher/colleague;
- A letter stating your personal goals and achievements;
- If financial need is a factor, please include an understanding of this in your letter;
- Your completed scholarship application form.
Please email the full application package to Sharon Johnston, Festival Director: sharonjohnston567@gmail.com.
Your application package must be received by August 1, 2025. If you have already registered for the conference and wish to be considered, please submit an application. If you are selected, $500 of your registration will be refunded.
The recipient will be announced August 18, 2025 and acknowledged at the Huron Harp Fest.
CO-WINNERS OF THE 2025 JOANNE GRIFFIN MEMORIAL AWARD:
RYLEE LIVINGSTON
Harpist Rylee Livingston is honoured to participate in the 2025 Huron Harp Festival as the co-recipient of the Joanne Griffin Memorial Award. Rylee Livingston is a lever harpist from Windsor/Essex, Ontario. She has been the recipient of 4 Ontario Music Festival medals and the winner of the 2021 Ontario Harp Society Scholarship Award for Grade 9 Lever Harp. In addition to her over 14 years of harp studies under Anita Leschied, Rylee also plays the piano and enjoys teaching both instruments as well as early-childhood music classes. Rylee has two previous diplomas in Public Relations and Journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor and is currently studying Recreation and Leisure Services online through Canadore College. In the future, Rylee hopes to serve her community through her recreation career while continuing to pursue her own musical goals and sharing her love of the harp with others.
& ELYSHA VORSTENBOSCH!
Harpist Elysha Vorstenbosch is honoured to participate in the 2025 Huron Harp Festival as the co-recipient of the Joanne Griffin Memorial Award. Elysha Vorstenbosch is a harp player, composer, and improviser living in Perth County, Ontario. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied lever harp with Sharlene Wallace. Inspired by her love of Irish culture and the rich history that the lever harp holds within it, Elysha studied abroad for 4 months at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Her musical creations, both composed and improvised, draw upon her love of folklore and storytelling, body percussion and dance, interpreting and manipulating everyday sounds in her work, and exploring innovative ways to utilize instruments, particularly the lever harp. Elysha won the 2021 Outstanding Composition Award at the Stratford Kiwanis Festival for her solo harp composition, Sidetrack, and she won 2nd place at the 2024 Kiwanis Music Festival Provincials in the Original Composition for Solo – Ages 19 and Above class for her harp composition, 36°C & Rising. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Music in Collaboration, Curation and Creative Performance at Wilfrid Laurier University.
WINNER OF THE 2023 JOANNE GRIFFIN MEMORIAL AWARD: ALEXA YEO!
Harpist Alexa Yeo is honoured to participate in the 2023 Huron Harp Festival as the recipient of the Joanne Griffin Memorial Award. She is a 13 year old local resident, known as The Hometown Harpist, who began her harp journey at 4 years of age. Artist Alexa sings, plays harp, guitar, violin, piano, and ukulele. She has composed many songs including a piece featured on the CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme. Alexa also performed at Music and Art for Mental Health, Across Generations Seniors Showcase and many others. In 2021, she was excited to win top prize in Canada for the CFEE National money fair for her video on how to start a career in music and in 2022 she won 1st place in the Stratford Kiwanis Music Festival. Alexa felt privileged to receive a 2021 Junior Citizenship Award, given by Her Honour, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell. She’s currently learning melodies for future community involvement.
WINNER OF THE 2019 JOANNE GRIFFIN MEMORIAL AWARD: AIMEE MARTEL!
Harpist Aimee Martel is honoured to accept the Joanne Griffin Memorial Scholarship and to participate in the 2019 Huron Harp Festival. Also a pianist, flautist, and music teacher, Aimee has been studying the harp for about ten years. Aimee was raised in rural Southwestern Ontario by a musical family who formed her foundation towards a lifetime of music; which also included dance and theatrical performances. She achieved a Grade 10 piano certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music and earned a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at the University of Windsor. Aimee has utilized music in therapeutic sessions for those suffering from mental illness, autism, brain injuries, and intellectual disabilities in both Essex County and in Michigan. Aimee performs at special events, concerts, seniors’ residences and churches regularly as part of her career in music. Aimee aims to further explore her passion for the harp and how she can share the joy of its sounds with the community. She aims to incorporate the harp in her therapeutic musical practice and use its unique healing power to transform the lives of others, as well as her own.
Huron Harp Fest 