Youth Music Awards

Norma Durrand, Chairman of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, is delighted to announce the results of the Bill Borthwick Encouragement Prize, and the Ann and Chris Krans Award. The winners have been decided after a day of very impressive performances at the Dandenong Ranges Music Council Community Music Centre on Sunday 11th November.

The standard of performances was quite high, with adjudicator Carolyn McAlister finding the task of choosing a winner pleasingly difficult. Norma Durrand was very happy with the performances, and offers her congratulations to all who participated.

Krans Award

The winner of the Ann and Chris Krans Award is Berta Brozgul of Belgrave, on piano, with second place awarded to David Soo of Wheelers Hill, also on piano. Both Berta and David performed admirably, and are well on their way to achieving their dream of becoming professional musicians.

Borthwick Prize

The winner of the Bill Borthwick Encouragement Prize for young musicians is David Athan of East Doncaster, on clarinet, with second placing going to Matthew Zupan of Berwick playing violin.

An afternoon tea will take place on Sunday 25th May 2008 to present the awards, and to allow the winners to perform for family and friends.

The Ann and Chris Krans Award has been presented for the past sixteen years. The award is for musicians, under 18 years of age, with serious aspirations of making music their career. The award was instituted by the family of Mr Chris Krans as a memorial to him and his love of music and young people. Cash prizes are awarded in this category to assist young musicians in their continuing music studies.

The sixth Bill Borthwick Young Musicians Encouragement Prize is offered in honor of the memory of the Patron of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council 1980 - 2001, the Hon Bill Borthwick, AO, MLA Member for Monbulk 1967 - 1982 and Member for Scoresby 1960 - 1967. It is proudly sponsored by the Upwey and District Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank

The prize is for musicians 14 years and under, who are committed, enthusiastic and who love to play or sing for the pure joy of music. Minimum 2 years learning or grade 3 AMEB or equivalent required.

For further information please contact

Dandenong Ranges Music Council
phone: 9754 6566
email: