Olivia's grant is music to her ears

4th July 2007

Growing can be a pain, especially when you're a violinist.

Napier Central School's Olivia Unac, 10, is rapidly outgrowing her three quarter sized violin, and needs a much larger replacement if she's to reach her lofty goals as a musician.

"My arms are getting too long," Olivia, who has been learning the violin for three years, said.

"They get so crunched up, the bow can only move about a little bit."

The result, she said, was often a less than inspiring sound: "Sometimes the bow touches the violin and it squeaks."

But not for much longer - one of 10 Napier City Council youth development fund scholarship recipients, Olivia received $200 towards a full-size violin at an awards ceremony attended by mayor Barbara Arnott last Friday.

Other teens intended to use the money gaining their pilot's license, or buying paddles for surf livesaving competitions.

Like many musicians, Olivia, who aimed to be a violin teacher, examiner or orchestra member, began learning violin at her mother's request three years ago.

But there were no musical genes in her household.

"My mother tried playing the piano, but wasn't any good."

Olivia, who also takes ballet, said a full-size wooden violin retailed for about $700.

"I hope a new violin will make a much richer sound." Napier City Youth Councillor Kendal Latimer said the council received 21 applications for the awards, which aimed to encourage Napier youths.

"It's about helping youths get a bit closer to their individual goals."