Norman Miller violin goes to worthy recipient

The sweet sounds of a quality violin will be deeply appreciated by this year's recipient of the Norman Miller Violin Award and her many audience members around Toowoomba.

Young Toowoomba violin player and performer Nancy Webb has the 21-year-old violin on loan for a year.

The finely crafted Norman Miller violin was donated by Mr Miller to the former Toowoomba City Council in 1996 and the award has been presented to promising musicians since then.

Nancy, a diminutive 15 year-old, has been learning violin for some eight years and has several Eisteddfod awards for solo violin, piano and ensemble performances in her former hometown of Goondiwindi.

Nancy and her siblings have appeared at Christmas Carols, Australia Day celebrations, the University of the Third Age and regular church and social functions.

Her biggest challenge over the 12 months may in fact be keeping the beautiful instrument from the hands of her envious musical siblings.

"It (the violin) will help improve my violin playing in general.

"It will be good for my performances at nursing homes and retirement villages and will help to build knowledge about the Norman Miller Violin Award," Nancy said.

"My family also like to see it being played and everyone wants to play it."

The award is aimed at aspiring violinists who can enhance their musical career prospects through use of the violin for a year.

It is open to Toowoomba region violin students AMEB Grade 3 or above who are aged 10 or older and who study violin with private teachers or at schools throughout the Toowoomba region.

Caption:

Norman Miller Violin Award recipient Nancy Webb plays the instrument for the enjoyment of Cr Ros Scotney.