Bendigo Community Bank branches on the Central Coast are helping support the next generation of local musicians with the launch of the 2025 Bendigo Bank Schools Scholarship in partnership with Central Coast Conservatorium of Music.
The $18,000 scholarship will be shared among 20 local school students who are enrolled in the Conservatorium’s Schools Program.
Michael Bell, Franchise Group CEO of Bendigo Bank Community Bank branches East Gosford, Lisarow and Kincumber said the bank spreads its support across many sectors.
“The arts is an area we have supported over many years – but we were looking to do more, recognising that the Conservatorium is a Central Coast icon which works with many local schools providing lessons and to back local musicians,” he said.
“The opportunity to partner with Central Coast Con and its Schools Scholarship program means that funding is now available to assist talented students to further enhance their musical ability that may not otherwise have had the opportunity for additional tutoring.”
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Schools Scholarship will offer up to $900 per student in fee relief over one year in 2025.
As part of the Schools Program, the students will be invited to participate in one-to-one music lessons, music theory classes and to join one of the Conservatorium’s flagship wind ensembles.
“Thanks to the generous support of Bendigo Community Bank we are now able to continue to support our talented School Program musicians, and offer them the opportunity to expand their learning, join our flagship ensembles and develop their musical horizons,” Conservatorium CEO Dr Lisa Barnes said.
The Schools Program involves engagement in a combination of one-to-one lessons, musicianship classes and Conservatorium ensembles including the Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Primary Wind Ensemble.
“This comprehensive approach to learning offers what we believe is the optimal instrumental music education available on the Central Coast, giving school children the very best chance to excel as a student musician whilst engaging socially with other like minded individuals,” Conservatorium Artistic Director Patrick Brennan said.
Students who will be in Years 5-7 in 2025 are invited to apply for the new scholarships until Sunday, November 10.