Mentoring scheme honours memory of young music fan

A FUND established in the name of a music fan from Northern Ireland who died from testicular cancer is helping get young people involved in music.

The Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast has teamed up with the Conor Shaw Bursary to men- tor young musicians through a new project called Volume Control.

His sister Claire Webb said: “Throughout his short life, Conor was passionate about the arts.

“In particular, with an eclectic taste in music, he was a champion of the Northern Ireland music scene and much-loved presence at gigs, supporting local bands.

“Despite a cancer diagnosis in 2009 and subsequent aggressive treatment, Conor found joy and diversion through his love of music.”

He was the main dancer in a 2010 music video.

Claire added: “Sadly, Conor died aged 31 in April 2011, but we are delighted to carry on his legacy of supporting local music through the Conor Shaw Bursary.”

Volume Control is an events mentoring programme for young people aged 14-19. It is an annual scheme that provides music promoters of the future with an opportunity to learn about and run their own live events, under the guidance of the Oh Yeah centre.

Charlotte Dryden, from the centre, said: “When Conor’s family approached us to talk about how they could ensure that Conor and his love of music would be remembered, we were absolutely honoured.”

The donation will be spread across three years to help the winning bands in Volume Control’s annual Clash of The New Breeds competition.