Congratulations to WollCon student Saskia McIntyre who was recognised for her efforts and contributions to our community, as part of the Wollongong Youth Services awards.
The Wollongong Youth Week awards acknowledge the achievements and efforts of young people aged 12-24 in the Wollongong area.
The Young Person (Performer) award recognises the contribution to school and wider community through performance.
“I feel very honoured and grateful to be the 2024 recipient of this award, and I hope that I can continue to encourage others in my school community and at community events such as Honk!oz to get up and perform, experiment and improvise.”
Receiving this award has allowed Saskia to reflect on her involvement in ensembles at WollCon, and says the highlights for her have always been participating in (and in more recent years, mentoring) the Kids Honk band each year.
“It is where I discovered my love for saxophone and improvisation, and without such a program I would certainly not be who I am today!”
Saskia says she has also been fortunate to do work experience at the conservatorium with music teacher Jenn Cook, assiting in the Winter Band Camp last year, which she describes as “invaluable experience as someone looking to pursue a career in music or music education.”
This year, she has been enjoying numerous performance opportunities through the Jazz Program, including playing at the IPAC for a UOW International Women’s Day event and Jazz on the Deck some Sundays at Coledale RSL.
“I am endeavouring to study a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music next year, and I am currently practicing very hard for my audition in early September!”
We all wish Saskia the very best for her future.
