Inverurie Music is delighted that the Award Scheme for young musicians went ahead last year, albeit with reduced funds. A total of £1,100 was awarded to young musicians who were successful in their applications in 2022, bringing the total awarded since the scheme began to £6,543.

Applications were received from most of the four schools eligible (Alford, Inverurie, Kemnay and Meldrum Academies) and twelve applications were accepted for an award. There was a variety of requests, including one from the Inverurie Academy Brass Group who requested funding to bring a professional musician to the area to work with the group. This opportunity is less available to young musicians in Aberdeenshire as many professional orchestras are based in the central belt. Other requests included funding towards buying or upgrading instruments and buying accessories for instruments.

The Award Scheme began in 2019 to mark the 20th anniversary of Inverurie Music. Funds come entirely from the generous donations of supporters and from fundraising events. Inverurie Music is extremely grateful to all supporters who have contributed to the funds, especially in this time of financial pressure. Without this support, the scheme could not continue. Music in the community is continually coming under threat due to financial cuts and Inverurie Music is very keen to continue to provide this small but significant level of support to local young musicians.

Looking at the last four years, there has been a big variation in the number of applications made by young people in the four eligible schools, with Meldrum Academy leading the table with 35 applications. This is a larger total than all three other schools combined. If you know anyone who might benefit from an award, please let them know about the scheme. Applications will open in September for the 2023 scheme, so keep a look out for details in the summer.

Fundraising is well underway for the 2023 award scheme. If you would like to make a donation, there are several ways you can do this. Please allow Inverurie Music to claim gift aid on your donation if you can.

Please choose one of the following options:

You can make a donation via Paypal by following this link or making a bank transfer (Account Name: Inverurie Music Sort Code: 80-08-41 Account number: 00842458).

Cash/card donations are always welcome at concerts and events. Cheque payments are also still welcome and should be made payable to Inverurie Music and given to a committe member or sent to Benview Cottage, Chapel of Garioch, Inverurie AB51 5HE.

Thank you to all the supporters of the scheme, not just from Inverurie Music but also from all the young musicians who have benefited from your generosity.