Teen Honour in the Arts Awards

2024 Teen Honour in the Arts Award Recipient

Almendra Osorio

Meet Almendra Osorio, a dedicated and talented musician who has made significant contributions to Kelowna’s music scene. Almendra has showcased her exceptional skills on the saxophone, flute, and classical guitar, earning recognition at local, provincial, and national levels. 

In 2024, Almendra led the saxophone section in the prestigious Conn-Selmer All-Star Jazz Band at Musicfest Canada, a group featuring 16 of some of the most outstanding young jazz musicians in Canada, where she played a key leadership role and brought honor to her school, Mount Boucherie Secondary. Her outstanding performance earned her the Conn-Selmer Centerstage Award, making her one of only 29 students across all national honor ensembles to receive this accolade. 

Almendra’s achievements include winning the Top Senior Soloist Award at the BC Interior Jazz Festival and being named “Best Overall” in both Jazz Band and Jazz Studies at her school’s band program awards. As a District Student Council member, she has advocated for more musical opportunities and funding, benefiting thousands of students in her district. 

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Almendra mentors’ younger musicians, brought hope to care homes during the pandemic, supports emerging artists with free lessons, and performs for fundraisers like the Wildfire Responders Event. Almendra Osorio is not just playing music; she's orchestrating a symphony of inspiration that resonates far beyond the stage! 

Sponsor: 

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

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, 2023.
• Selections are based on the nominee's special accomplishments, contributions and awards for the year 2023.
• 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.