Betty Moyls Memorial Award (Elizabeth “Betty" Moyls)
Elizabeth "Betty" Moyls was an avid singer and patron of the arts throughout her life. She was born on February 24, 1930, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and moved to Victoria with her husband and oldest daughter in 1960, becoming mom to two more children soon after. In addition to her involvement in church choirs, she sang with several ensembles around Victoria, including the Vera Barclay Singers, the Amity Singers and the Victoria Chamber Singer. For many years, Betty competed in the Greater Victoria Music Festival, often as a contralto soloist, and in 1965 was a contender for the Rose Bowl. She continued to work with the music festival, chairing the Vocal Section for five years. Later in life, she continued to be active in church and sang with the Oak Bay Seniors choir.
For many years, her family hosted students from the University of Victoria and throughout her life she was a supporter of up and coming musicians, often attending student and faculty concerts. She passed away on February 2, 2021. This award has been established in memory of her life-long love of music, singing, and encouraging young performers to flourish.