The Gift of Music: The Bruce Okely Music Appreciation Draw
The inaugural Bruce Okely Music Appreciation Draw saw many budding musicians from families in our First Steps Early Intervention and School Age Programs participate.
Entrants were invited to share with us in 150 words or less what they would do with a music gift of $250, going into a draw to receive one of four $250 they could choose to use towards the purchase of a musical instrument or singing and music lessons.
We were blown away with the musical talent and participation in the competition and it was incredibly difficult to only choose four winners of the $250 gifts.
One of the winners, Regan James spent his winnings on a new electric guitar. In a video he shared with us, he displayed skill and versatility on his new instrument as he dived into his online lessons.
“I have been using the guitar using the free online lessons for almost every day,” he said.
“My mom is trying to organise a class for me. I hope that I can play better with the lessons.”
Competition winner Regan James strumming on his new electric guitar.
Regan James jamming alongside his online guitar lessons.
Another entrant, Ryan Antcliff, stood out with his musical talent on the drums and will be using his gift to further develop his drumming skills.
Ryan rocking the stage on drums at Rockfest 2022.
Ryan on the Drums at Rockfest 2022.
About the Bruce Okely Music Appreciation Draw
Bruce Okely founded the Westcoast Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus in 1998. The group now has over 30 active members and is affiliated with the International Barbershop Harmony Society, the world’s largest men’s singing organisation.
In recognition of Bruce’s long commitment to the group, the other members wished to recognise his achievement. In lieu of a gift, Bruce wished for children with Autism to be given the opportunity for a singing or musical experience. Hence, the Bruce Okely Music Appreciation Gift idea was born.
We thank Bruce and all the Westcoast Chordsmen for their generous offer.
Congratulations to all the prize winners, and we can’t wait to hear all about their musical journey.
Raymond, Bruce and Ken from the Westcoast Chordsmen along with Paul Baird, Executive Manager Business Operations and Erin Kavanagh, Manager Communications and Marketing from the Autism Association of Western Australia.
