Flute star inspired by late father
Star flutist Samantha McSweeney has been awarded more than $15,000 in scholarships for her musical and academic ability.
Offered a place in the Flute Performance degrees at both Auckland and Victoria University McSweeney had a difficult choice to make, but decided on Wellington’s Victoria University for her tertiary studies starting in February.
At the Kerikeri High School prizegiving recently she was also named Proxime Accessit.
‘‘I would love to play in an orchestra one day and hope to complete my Masters abroad.’’
She says she uses her father Adam’s memory as motivation, after he lost his battle with cancer in May.
‘‘He was always really supportive of me. He would definitely be proud, he was big on academics as well, so he would be thrilled.’’
McSweeney continues to share her father’s love of sailing having recently completed the Coastal Classic from Auckland to Russell for the third time on Cotton Blossom 2.
Her teacher of seven years Clare Penney says it has been a privilege to teach McSweeney.
‘‘I love the fact Sammy is so well-rounded - she loves boating, diving, competing in the Coastal Classic. I realised early on that she had enormous potential, so I am thrilled she has decided to make a career in music.’’