2006 Awardee: Connor Oldroyd
Connor is absolutely delighted... this will open many doors for him as he will now be able to reach his full potential on an instrument that will not hold him back. (Kirsty Berriman, mother)
Biography
At an early age Connor developed a great love for music. He’s been playing the piano for five years and the bassoon for four and has progressed rapidly on both instruments, well ahead of his contemporaries.
As well as being technically advanced, Connor has impressed his teacher with his extreme musicality and musical maturity and sensitivity, which is unusual in someone of his young age.
Connor plays in four bands, including West Lothian’s School Wind Ensemble, and has recently joined the Boghall and Bathgate Caledonian Pipe Band to learn to play the bagpipes.
Currently in the junior department of the RSAMD, Connor’s goal is to take a music degree at the RSAMD. He plays in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.
How the Award Helped
Recently his teacher pointed out that his current bassoon had passed its best and was actively holding him back from progressing further. The Dewar Arts Award enabled Connor to buy a performance standard bassoon.
Since the Award
Connor writes that after trying out his new bassoon the difference in advanced keywork and tone from his old one ‘was staggering’. He thinks it will last him through his student years and beyond, and believes that it has already improved his technicality and musicianship. Connor received an invitation to join the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra summer course, which he attributes directly to his improved playing and achievements since getting his new bassoon.
Connor is absolutely delighted... this will open many doors for him as he will now be able to reach his full potential on an instrument that will not hold him back. (Kirsty Berriman, mother)