North Shore Brass Musical Director Colin Clark has become the first New Zealand band conductor to be awarded a prestigious Adrienne, Lady Stewart, Performance Bursary.

First conductor

In 2009, under the patronage of Adrienne, Lady Stewart, National Australia Brass Artistic Director, Professor David King initiated the educational bursary scheme, focusing on performance excellence in the community and targeting young band musicians in Australia and New Zealand.

Since its launch, 11 young brass musicians from Australia and New Zealand have become recipients and Colin Clark, 32, is the first conductor to be chosen.

Education key

Adrienne, Lady Stewart, who is a committed supporter of the world wide brass band movement, told 4BR: "Education is the key to building a performer’s career, and the bursary programme is designed to give talented band musicians opportunities they may not otherwise have."

Adrienne, Lady Stewart, and Professor King recently visited North Shore Brass, where Colin, 32, received educational workshops with Professor King with the North Shore Brass in preparation for the 2012 New Zealand National Brass Band Championships, which will take place this weekend in Timaru.

Colin Clark has earned a reputation as an outstanding instrumentalist and brass musician throughout both Australia and New ZealandProf David King

Excellence

Commenting on just why Colin has been awarded the prestigious musicianship bursary, Professor King told 4BR:

"Adrienne, Lady Stewart has always insisted that recipients should demonstrate distinguished excellence within the Federation of Australasian Brass Bands.

Colin Clark has earned a reputation as an outstanding instrumentalist and brass musician throughout both Australia and New Zealand and has the musical intelligence that is needed to achieve the transition to professional conducting with the same level of attainable excellence."