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Tessa Darby and Melissa Davies have received Clarence Valley Orchestra (CVO) Music Scholarships to assist their tertiary studies. Image: Adam Hourigan Photography

Receiving scholarships music to their ears

Awarded to promising young musicians who have enrolled and have been accepted into tertiary music programs at university (or similar), Clarence Valley Orchestra (CVO) Music Scholarships are open to any musician who has performed a minimum of two major public concert performances with the orchestra and are designed as a small contribution to associated costs in commencing or maintaining full-time university studies.

Valued at $1000, the CVO scholarships are mainly funded from ticket sale proceeds from the orchestra’s very successful Proms Concert Series at the Saraton Theatre.

This year’s scholarship awardees for 2022 are clarinettist Tessa Darby and trumpeter Melissa Davies who missed out in 2021 (due to the Covid-19 pandemic and no performances).

Melissa is currently finishing her first year at the Queensland Conservatorium studying classical trumpet.

“I have been a member of the CVO for seven years since the age of 12, and I have loved the experience of playing in an orchestra,” she said.

“Being a part of the CVO sparked my initial interest to pursue a career as an orchestral musician.

“I am very grateful to have received this scholarship from the CVO and conductor Greg Butcher, as it will assist me in achieving my dream.”

Tessa described herself as honored to be the 2022 recipient of the CVO scholarship, adding she is excited to further her music studies at university.

“This scholarship will assist greatly in helping finance some of the resources necessary when transitioning into tertiary studies and will be used in purchasing items such as textbooks or devices,” she said.

“I am very thankful for all the opportunities I have had in CVO and am grateful to be receiving this scholarship.”