A budding Sheffield violinist is hoping to hit the right notes by pursuing her musical dreams now that she has an instrument to be proud of.
Twelve-year-old Katrina Love, from Burngreave, has been playing the classical instrument since she was eight but has never owned a violin to match her talent.
Katrina, a pupil at Notre Dame School, has been using borrowed violins in poor condition or too small to use, but, thanks to a special grant, the promising musician has been able to buy a professional standard instrument.
Katrina’s mother Grace applied to the Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC) Small Grants Fund which donates money to the local community to work together towards the social and economic improvement of the area.
Said Grace: “We applied for a grant so that we could buy Katrina a restored French violin. She has achieved her Grade 5 practical, but the violin she has been using isn’t suitable past this grade. It is too small for the advanced techniques and styles of play required at higher grades.
“Her new violin is perfect. She can practice more and can now take her Grade 5 theory and continue through the grades.”
Katrina plays the violin for her school orchestra and performs for St. Catherine’s Church. She has also played at Sheffield City Hall and Sheffield Music School as well as in several other concerts.
Grace added: “Katrina has a real talent and it would be wonderful if she carried on playing and performing in bigger concerts. This grant has gone some way to ensuring that she can.”
Katrina said: “My mum helped me apply to Burngreave New Deal for funding towards my current violin. I chose this instrument because it has a beautiful mellow sound when it’s played. With the grant I also bought a good quality bow and a case.
“At the moment I am working towards my grade six repertoire and grade five theory that I have to pass before I can move up to higher grades. I have joined three orchestras, not only to learn to play different types of music, but also to meet other musicians of similar age. I would love to continue playing music when I’m an adult and this grant will go along way to helping me continue playing.”
The BNDfC Small Grants Fund was set up by BNDfC and has so far donated nearly £1.3 million to groups and individuals who have applied for grants ranging from £250 to £25,000 in the Burngreave area. Contact the grants team on 292 2905 or 292 2906.
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