Established by Doug and Sue Collins in memory of their son Peter Collins who passed on May 3, 2015 after a lengthy fight with cancer to support the Kamloops Symphony. Peter became well-known in the arts community as a very talented singer and musician. Peter had the opportunity to study Opera at the University of Toronto, where he was able to hone his incredible gift and powerful voice. He returned to Kamloops and became a music teacher and voice coach in 2008.

–From the Kamloops Symphony Music School (https://www.kamloopssymphonymusicschool.com/peter-collins-memorial-fund.htm)

The Kamloops Symphony Music School and the family of Peter Collins, with support from friends, family and community, are proud to provide an annual bursary for one or more students who may not otherwise be able to access music lessons.

Peter started singing at a very young age, and although his tastes shifted from the heavy metal that he favoured in high school to the beautiful arias and operatic pieces that he became known for as an adult, music had been in his blood since birth. Peter was often seen with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart. He took his love of music and turned it into a new career when he returned to Kamloops and became a music teacher and voice coach in 2008. Pete loved teaching voice and guitar students at KISSM and at the KSO School of Music, and would always brag about how well each student was doing each week.  He felt like he was Uncle Pete to many of the students, and couldn’t believe how much he loved seeing each child grow as an individual and in their musical skills. Peter loved every one of his students, and he was honoured to be a part of their lives. Whenever Pete encountered a student who struggled make lessons happen financially, he would do whatever he could to help them out – whether that was repairing a used instrument and passing it along, or adding minutes on to a lesson for free.  He knew what it was like to love music so much and to struggle to learn the craft, and he wanted to help any willing student to make their dreams happen.  

And so, when Peter passed away, the Peter Collins Memorial Bursary was born, to be able to help other struggling and deserving youth be able to pursue their passion for music like he did.  We are very proud of Peter’s accomplishments, and wish that he had been able to share his talent for many more years.  In a way, this gift of musical education is his legacy of music into the future.

Learn More about Peter in this article from the Kamloops This Week