Community
23 October, 2025
Talent recognised
SOME of the region’s most talented young musicians were recognised through the awarding of the Jean Wood Memorial Musical Scholarship over the weekend.
Scholarships are given out each year in memory of prominent music teacher Jean Wood, who had nurtured and encouraged the musical talents of countless people across the district.
Jean Wood Memorial Musical Scholarship committee president Jo Kenna said this year had been unique with only three entrants received despite early expressions of interest suggesting dozens could have been in the running.
Despite the lower number of entries this year there was no concerns for the quality of the names put forward.
This year’s senior winner was Renee Cowan from Terang, who wowed the committee with her talents playing the viola.
“Renee did a lovely intonation for us, playing two pieces very smoothly and confidently,” judge Sallyanne Dymke said.
“She has great rhythm, excellent playing.”
Camperdown’s Onaya Senarath was named runner-up, having made the decision difficult on the judges thanks to her talents on the violin.
“She played really well,” Ms Dymke said.
“She played a contemporary piece for us and showcased some confident, smooth playing.
“It was really nice.”
The junior category had only one entrant this year in Aiden Richard, but the committee had no hesitation in proudly awarding the scholarship after Aiden had previously been named a joint-winner in 2022.
Mrs Kenna said Aiden had only grown from strength-to-strength since.
“We’ve seen such growth in his talent and he’s become quite an assured young man,” she said.
“He’s a lovely young man with a quiet confidence in his playing
“He’s got really good rhythm, good tempo – everything we’re looking for in someone his age playing.
“When he is playing he does some very intricate finger-picking, not just strumming, which is an important technical aspect.”
The committee also recognised alumni with performances from Jacob Pugh and Claire Toffolon.
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