RYO Inc. Youth Music Scholarships

The Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc.

2025 Youth Music Scholarship Recipients & Sponsors

The Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. 

2024 Youth Music Scholarship Recipients & Sponsors

Five young Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc (RYO) musicians could be forgiven for thinking they had won the lottery this month, thanks to a new initiative Youth Music Scholarships created by The Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. and supported by the generosity of RYO Inc. and Rockhampton business and community organisations. 

They are, Shawn Cajegas (euphonium), Victoria Rook (flute), Riley Lokan (saxophone), Ashleigh Stone (flute) and Mason Ferry (violin). Each of these young musicians have been awarded a Youth Music Scholarship valued at $1,275.00.

Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. president Ivan Richardson said “the Youth Music Scholarships offer a very special and unique opportunity for young musicians providing them with 35 weeks of private music lessons in addition to joining and performing in the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra this year.

He said “the Rotary Club of North Rockhampton sponsored Shawn Cajegas represented by President Ashley Pierpoint, Bolsover Dental Practice sponsored Victoria Rook represented by Dr Jeff Watson, Menzies Auto Service sponsored Riley Lokan represented by Wayne Menzies & Matt Walker, Michael and Natalie Polkinghorne sponsored Ashleigh Stone and The Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Sponsored Mason Ferry providing the 2024 Youth Music Scholarships for the successful musicians this year”.

“The Instrumental Music Teachers in Government Schools in the region when contacted late last year gave their full support to this initiative and the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. Committee unanimously voted to sponsor one Youth Music Scholarship’’ Mr Richardson said.

“The Youth Music Scholarships attracted a large number of applicants, which our selection panel appreciated and all applicants received encouragement”. 

“As can be seen from the faces of our five music scholarship recipients (and their respective sponsors) they have enjoyed their first rehearsals with the Rockhampton Youth Orchestra and have commenced their private music lessons provided by the scholarships.’’ he said.

Mr Richardson said “in Term Four this year, RYO Inc. will be seeking additional sponsors and applicants for next year’s Youth Music Scholarships, to provide more Youth Music Scholarships in 2025”.

“We are look forward to continuing to provide the Youth Music Scholarships into the future to assist developing and growing young musicians’ talent in addition to providing valuable music performance opportunities as part of the Youth Orchestra,’’ he said.