Teen Honour in the Arts Awards

2021 Teen Honour in the Arts Award Recipient

Dryden Bennett is an exceptional musician and composer. In addition to winning Most Inspirational Musician at Rutland Senior Secondary in 2021, he plays first chair trombone for the Okanagan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Dryden began music in grade nine with no prior experience and within four years has grown into a mature composer of concert band and symphonic music. 

Dryden has already had several original compositions featured at Kelowna concerts, including "Tangerine Trees," performed by the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra last fall for a live audience at Kelowna Community Theatre. Only a month later, another of Dryden's original pieces, "Rain at the End of Time," was performed by the youth orchestra. Not only is Dryden a talented composer/musician, he also understands the importance of fostering younger peers and actively mentors newer students in the music program. 

Award Criteria

• Awarded to a youth who has made an outstanding contribution to Kelowna through cultural and/or artistic efforts.  
• Must be between the ages of 13 and 19 as of Dec. 31, 2021.
• Selections are based on the nominee's special accomplishments, contributions and awards for the year 2022.
• Past information may be included, but should primarily be regarding the current award year.
• Finalist selections are based solely on the information in the completed nomination package.

The recipient of this award will receive a $500 entrance scholarship to UBC Okanagan.

Nominations for the 48th annual Civic & Community Awards are now closed. Check back in fall 2023 for information about the 49th annual awards nomination period.