Gift of Music is a charity that supports children with geographical, social or economic disadvantage to pursue their musical passions. Brayden Black, a gifted french horn student from St John’s College in drought-stricken Roma, was involved in a serious car accident that destroyed his horn. Gift of Music have stepped in to sponsor Black and have already provided an emergency replacement instrument to his school. They will then be presenting Brayden, on behalf of his school, with a new Yamaha full double horn valued at $5,299 to better suit his growing skills.
Gift of Music is sponsoring Brayden in order to bring him to Brisbane to attend the High Brass Weekend at the Queensland Conservatorium from 19 to 21 July – The Conservatorium has waived the course fee. Gift of Music are also covering travel costs and his accommodation for the week at Mantra Southbank, which has provided a discount for the occasion. Queensland Symphony Orchestra has also organised for Black to attend a closed rehearsal and free tickets to attend the symphony performance.
Playing and learning with elite performers this week will be a once in a lifetime experience for Black. The hope is that these few days and the use of this new horn will inspire him to greatness and be an experience he will never forget. This will not only impact Black, but his school and the community, for many years to come.
At the Maryborough Music Conference Gift of Music launched their Student Scholarship program which is aimed at disadvantaged children in rural and remote Australia in areas affected by drought or natural disaster to assist them in their quest to make music. Scholarships are available to eligible Australian children in regional areas who display an advanced skill or talent in music. This opportunity for Gift of Music to support Black is a great example of what kinds of assistance this program will be able to provide.
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