THERE seems to be little Trish Thompson can’t do with a trumpet in her hand.
The talented Portland teenager has turned her hand to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, a task she has completed with spectacular results.
Trish was announced the winner of the Newsboys Foundation Bach Competition Regional Music Award on Sunday.
“It is very exciting to win such a big award,” Trish said.
“I had heard Bach’s work but hadn’t played any of it before. The pieces I picked I thought I could make work on the trumpet and they turned out OK.”
Trish was presented with her prize of $5000 in front of a full house at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday.
The award was open to musicians from rural and regional government schools across Victoria.
Trish, 17, had to submit videos of three Bach performances.
It was the latest step in the Portland Secondary College year 12 student’s already impressive music career. As well as playing trumpet, Trish has mastered banjo, mandolin, ukulele, piano and guitar.
“I’m not sure what I will be doing next year, nothing is set in stone at this stage,” Trish said.
“I am pretty determined to do something in the music industry, it is certainly what I enjoy most.”
As well as her solo talents, Trish is a member of award-winning five-piece band Since Tuesday. The band’s list of achievements include winning the 2015 The Beks Bowman Memorial Award for Emerging Talent at the Koroit Irish Festival, the 2016 Regional Battle of the Bands and the contemporary band section at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod from 2014-16.
The band has one album and is hoping to add a second during 2018.
Newsboys Foundation CEO Sandy Shaw said Trish was a worthy winner.
“Trish Thompson is a very talented musician and we are delighted that she has won the 2018 Newsboys Foundation Regional Music Award,” Ms Shaw said.
“Winning the award will enable Trish to spend a week at the Melbourne Recital Centre and receive top tuition. This will open up broader networks and opportunities.”
