HIGHLY STRUNG: Kinross Wolaroi student Annabelle Carter can’t wait to attend the Australian Youth Orchestra development programs. Photo: JUDE KEOGH
KINROSS Wolaroi School student Annabelle Carter has the talent to become one of Australia’s leading violinists, but she is keeping her options open.
Annabelle picked up the violin about 13 years ago and her talent was recognised recently when she was picked to join the Australian Youth Orchestra development program for the third time.
Each year the Australian Youth Orchestra offers development opportunities to 300 musicians between the ages of 12 and 28, who are handpicked in rigorous national auditions across metropolitan and regional Australia.
Annabelle was chosen to attend the National Music Camp and the Young Symphonists Program in the first round of offers, in a year when there was a record number of applications.
She also won a $3000 Margaret Henderson Scholarship.
Annabelle is thrilled to be accepted as the camps provide a rare opportunity to learn and mix with the best musicians in Australia.
She said she wasn’t entirely committed to a future in the music industry but would work the camp to the best of her ability to gain the contacts she needed.
“I wasn’t really surprised,” she said when she found out she was accepted.
“I couldn’t stop smiling though.”
While she might go down a different career path, Annabelle can’t see a day where she wouldn’t play the instrument.
Annabelle said, for her, music was purely about passion.
“I love making music, I love playing with other people who share the same passion,” she said.
“That’s what makes the camp so exciting because you’re playing with people who share the same passion and you’re putting that into action.”
Annabelle says about 60 people who attend the camp end up becoming professional musicians.
nicole.kuter@ruralpress.com