The first Joan Trimble Bursary Award goes to talented young muscian

Advisory Committee Member and daughter of the late Joan Trimble Joanna McVey with Jason McAuley

The first Joan Trimble Bursary, following a re-launch of the scheme at a special event at the Ardhowen theatre late October, has been awarded to St Michael’s College student Jason McAuley.

The 16 year old will use his grant towards membership of three different orchestras.  This Christmas and next summer Jason will be playing trumpet with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, making him only the second Fermanagh brass student to have awarded a place with this orchestra in the past 20 years. Next summer he will also be playing trumpet for the Ulster Youth Orchestra and cornet for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Jason’s tutors have commended him for his dedication and motivation, describing him as an exceptionally gifted, modest musician who has cherished and nurtured his talent. His ambition and drive is shown in his seeking out of opportunities to develop his playing and applying for places with these orchestras where the standard is extremely high and places are at a premium. As a member of St Michael’s College Brass Band and WELB Senior Youth Orchestra he has been a great role model for the younger members, both by example and with advice.

Membership of these orchestras will play a significant part in Jason’s experience and education. He is determined to study performance at third level and will be beginning the application process for entry to the Royal Colleges of music next year. The bursary will help secure Jason on the platform that will enable him to really fulfil his potential. Jason commented “I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded this Joan Trimble Bursary as it will allow me to avail of these courses and gain experience with three renowned orchestras which will open up a number of opportunities. It’s fantastic that such a scheme exists to support aspiring young musicians.”

The Joan Trimble Bursary Awards, administered by the Fermanagh Trust, were set up in 2002 in memory of the Enniskillen born musician and composer. Following an overview of the Awards, the scheme which previously supported schools and groups will now award bursaries to young individuals to support training, education and practical experience in their chosen fields, with brass musician Jason being the first to avail.

Caroline Gant, daughter of the late Joan Trimble and Chair of the Bursary Awards said, “We are delighted to have been able to grant this first bursary to such a promising young musician.  We wish Jason every success in the future”.

Established by her family, 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. 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. Through the encouragement of young people to participate in, be inspired by and to enjoy a rich diversity of cultural activities, Joan’s vision of wider opportunity and access to the arts for new generations is being perpetuated.

For more information on the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards click here