St Mary’s Band Club, Sydney, Australia has announced that the Australasian Band Conductors — ABC scholarship for 2011 has been awarded to talented Queensland musician, Ben Crocker.

Nine applicants

Director, Mr. Ken Bradley, informed 4BR that St Mary’s Band Club has again offered a one year Conducting scholarship for 2011 with the winning ‘ABC scholar’ to receive conducting tuition and performance educational workshops with the music advisor to St Mary’s Band Club, Professor David King.

Of the nine applicants, six conducting candidates were short listed for the St Mary’s ABC scholarship and were each auditioned and interviewed by Music Advisor Professor David King and St Mary’s Board Director Mr. Ken Bradley.

The conducting finalists included Josh Geddes (Vic), Matthew Gately (NSW), Dylan Troyahn (Qld), Andrew Power (Vic), Aaron Madden (NSW) and the winning scholar Ben Crocker (Qld).

..Ben is one of Australia’s most exciting young conducting talents and is a worthy recipient of the title ‘ABC scholar’ 2011.Ken Bradley, Director — St Mary’s Band Club.

Ken Bradley said: "The St Mary’s Band Club are delighted to announce that Ben Crocker has been awarded the title ‘ABC scholar’ 2011. Ben is one of Australia’s most exciting young conducting talents and is a worthy recipient of this award."

Immediate Effect

Ben Crocker commences as the newly appointed St Mary’s ABC scholar with immediate effect and along with his scholarship has been offered a residency with the St Mary’s Band, membership and access to the state-of-the-art facilities owned and operated by St Mary’s Band Club in Western Sydney.

Ben said: "It's a thrill to be given the opportunity to work with Professor King and the St Mary's Band. I anticipate a fantastic year of music making, and look forward to throwing my energies into the Scholarship program."