Three young Eastern Bay musicians have been named the inaugural recipients of the EBOP Music Development Fund, receiving support to develop their talents and continue sharing music with the community.

Established by New Zealand Order of Merit recipient Warner Haldane and administered by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, the fund was created to help aspiring musicians aged 10 to 25 develop their skills, confidence and passion for music.

This year’s recipients are Leigh Oyanagi, Joshua Spalding and Isaac Pon.

Foundation manager Angela Jackson said the standard of applications was incredibly high.

“What stood out about Leigh, Joshua and Isaac wasn’t just their musical ability. They’re all community-minded young people using music to connect with others and give back in their own way. That’s exactly what this fund was created to support.”

Leigh plays trumpet for the Trident Jazz Band, but his true passion lies with the piano. Having played since the age of four, Leigh hopes to one day achieve an NCEA Scholarship in Music and tackle challenging works such as Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata.

The scholarship will help fund ongoing piano tuition as he works towards those goals.

“Performing for audiences has helped me build confidence and connect with people through music,” said Leigh.

“I always hope I can inspire someone in the crowd.”

Outside of music, Leigh is also active in the community, recently raising more than $1100 for Shave for a Cure and volunteering in environmental restoration projects.

For fellow recipient Joshua, the award will help solve a practical challenge. A talented saxophonist and member of the Trident High School Jazz Band, he has spent recent months borrowing a school instrument after his own saxophone became uneconomical to repair.

The scholarship will help him purchase a replacement instrument, allowing him to continue performing at the many community events he regularly supports, such as Whakatāne’s Jazz in the Park and Young Performers concerts.

Growing up in a musical family, music has always been an important part of Joshua’s life. He hopes to one day become a teacher.

“Music will always be a part of my classroom. I have been unbelievably fortunate to learn from Tom Bayliss before his retirement this year, and I hope to share my love and passion for music with the next generation of young musicians.”

The third recipient, Isaac, has a passion for an instrument less commonly heard around the Eastern Bay: the bagpipes.

Isaac began learning through the Whakatāne Pipe Band before joining the Vale of Kawerau Pipe Band, where he now competes in solo and band events. He has spent more than six months fundraising and saving towards his goal of owning his own set of bagpipes and will use the scholarship to help purchase the remaining components.

The Awakeri teenager is also heavily involved in Scouts, church youth activities and community service projects, including food bank collections, environmental clean-ups and visits to local retirement villages.

“Playing the pipes is an enjoyable way to serve the community,” said Isaac.

“One day I’d love to play at weddings, funerals and community events, and eventually teach others as well.”

Haldane’s lifelong involvement in music inspired him to create opportunities for young musicians across the Eastern Bay.

“You always have to look forward and ask where the musicians of the future are coming from,” he said.

“That’s why we need to support young musicians.”

Jackson said the strong response to the fund’s first year highlighted the demand for support and the depth of emerging talent in the district. Other finalists included young musicians specialising in singing, guitar, trombone and violin.

“It’s exciting to see so many young people pursuing music and sharing their talents with the community. We look forward to following their journeys in the years ahead.”

The EBOP Music Development Fund is open to further donations, with all contributions helping create future opportunities for aspiring young musicians across the Eastern Bay.

To learn more about the fund or make a contribution, visit www.ebcf.nz/ebop-music-development-fund.