Seven talented students supported by the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards

The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards have awarded grants to seven local students. Established by her family and administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the awards were set up in memory of the Enniskillen born musician and composer. The Awards recognise Joan’s lifelong commitment to County Fermanagh and their purpose is to encourage the involvement of young people in creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture.

Back – Liz McVey and Joanna McVey. Front – Ellen Bloomfield, Katie Bloomfield, Tiernach O’Reilly and Lucy Mills.

 

Tiernach O’Reilly, currently studying music at University College Dublin will use his bursary to take part in the 37th AOI Choral Conducting Summer School this August at the University of Limerick. The week long course will give an introduction into conduction and further develop musicianship skill.. He is part of the University’s philharmonic choir, local choir ‘Caritas’ and has a strong record of engagement, recently travelling to England to take part in the BBC Proms Youth Choir.

Queens University student Conor Browne has shown a wide variety of skill in music having been awarded Grade 6 in piano and Grade 8 in euphonium. Conor is also a member of Caritas choir as well as the Ulster Youth Orchestra. His grant will go towards professional tutoring to improve his vocal abilities. 

 

Andrew Irwin, Joanna McVey and Conor Browne

 

Having previously attended Chetham’s School of Music Andrew Irwin is now studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music. The acclaimed young tenor is keen to grasp opportunities to improve his technique and ultimately achieve a career in the progression as a soloist. The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards are supporting Andrew to participate in a production with the Welsh National Youth Opera as well as a series of lessons and workshops throughout August.

 

Collegiate Grammar School students Lucy Mills, Chloe Eagleson, Katie Bloomfield and Ellen Bloomfield as members of Murley Silver Band have qualified to participate in the European Brass Band Championship. They will use their bursaries to travel with the band to France in April to take part in the prestigious event representing Northern Ireland, competing alongside the best bands in Europe.

Lucy, Chloe and Katie are also being supported to take to part in a summer school residential at the University of Limerick as members of the Western Region Senior Youth Orchestra. This will provide outstanding rehearsal opportunities for the orchestra and they will also be giving several concerts including one in Limerick Cathedral.

 

Chloe Eagleson and Joanna McVey

Liz McVey, granddaughter of the late Joan Trimble said “We are delighted to award these bursaries to these seven gifted individuals. The range of activities supported from summer schools and workshops to tutoring and competitions shows the talent, passion and commitment that that these young people have. That is what the Joan Trimble Awards are all about – encouraging wider opportunity and access to the arts. No doubt they will gain inspiration and valuable experience as they progress with their studies and we wish them every success for the future.”

 

For more information on the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards CLICK HERE . The next closing date for applications is 1st June 2016. Areas of support for individuals up to and including 25 years of age include: specialist education training sessions and courses; international cultural programmes; participation in master classes and summer schools.