BRES sixth grader receives first Webster Beal Fund assistance


Mon, 11/18/2019 - 8:30am

Just a little over a year after the announcement of the formation of the Webster Beal Youth Music Fund, the committee managing the fund for the Opera House, has announced it has chosen its first annual recipient.

Keegan Murray, a sixth grade student at Boothbay Region Elementary School who plays the drums and trumpet, had expressed interest in also learning how to play the bass guitar. The committee reviewed his application and deemed that it followed the spirit of the fund, which is to assist local youth in their desire to explore music. The committee awarded Keegan with a new bass guitar, practice amp and tuner, as well as 24 lessons.

The instrument and equipment was supplied by the Musicians Choice in Augusta with assistance from guitarist Steve Jones and lessons will be provided by local musican Dave Gagne. The funds used to make this all possible was from part of what was so generously donated in memory of the two popular musicians Arthur Webster and Danny Beal for whom the fund was named.

Keegan will be have the equipment to use for one year and if at the end of the year, he has attended his lessons, made progress and is still interested in playing, it will become his to own and enjoy.

Dick Perkins, current committee chair, said he was very happy for Keegan and wanted to thank fellow committee members Jill Tupper, John Webster and Mark Stover for all their hard work in getting the fund established as well as a heartfelt thanks to all who have so generously donated to the fund. He also added that if anyone would like to donate, they can make checks payable to the Opera House, noting it is for the Webster Beal Fund.

It is the desire of the committee to be able to make many more awards in the future to local students interested in exploring music.

https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/bres-seventh-grader-receives-first-webster-beal-fund-assistance/127072