LJYO in the News

September, 2008

Memorial Award for Young Musicians of La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra created by Classical 96.3 and 103.1FM and the family of Bill Boddington.

      Port Hope – Bill Boddington was an avid supporter of the arts, of Classical 96.3 and 103.1 FM the radio station for which he worked, and of young people. Shortly after his untimely death in February 2008, in a tribute to Bill, his family and Classical 96.3 and 103.1 FM joined together to create a memorial award for young members of La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra (LJYO).
      LJYO is located in Port Hope and serves students throughout Northumberland County, and from the region bounded by Oshawa, Belleville Lindsay and Peterborough. It provides its members with the stimulating experience of performing a wide range of symphonic repertoire and challenges young people through music-making to develop ever-increasing expectations of their potential as individuals and as orchestra members. The orchestra comprises many of the things that Bill so loved and admired. He was committed to LJYO and its goals and attended nearly every concert from its inception in 1998.
      A selection committee for The Bill Boddington/Classical 96.3 and 103.1 FM Award will be comprised of a Boddington family member, a representative from the station and the president of LJYO. Applications will be submitted by orchestra members in their final year with LJYO who intend to pursue music at the university and/or post secondary level.
      “We know Bill would be thrilled that young people will continue to benefit because of him” says his brother George.
      Classical 96.3 and 103.1 FM Vice President of Programming and Operations John van Driel adds “Bill was such a dynamic part of this station. We are delighted to keep his legacy alive in this way. LJYO has provided us with many talented young musicians. It is an organization that we have long supported and we are confident that an award in Bill’s name will assist many young people who choose to study music in the coming years.”
      LJYO President Patricia Crosbie of Port Hope says that “Bill was such a wonderful friend to LJYO. We are thrilled he is being honoured in such an appropriate way. A presentation to the award recipient/s will be made each May at Sonic Bloom, the final concert of theorchestra's season.”
      Bill's family and Classical 96.3 and 103.1 FM invite all those who wish to help perpetuate his good will to join them in contributing to this memorial fund. Interested donors can make cheques payable to: La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra (or LJYO), Box 134, Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3W3, indicating that the funds are to go towards the memorial award. All donations are fully tax deductible. (Charitable Registration No. 86555 9124 RR0001).