St Paul’s Collegiate School student Jonathan Mayer was awarded a University of Waikato Hillary Scholarship valued at $50,000 for his academic ability, commitment to community service and, most importantly, his musical ability on the organ and piano.
When applying for the scholarship, Mayer submitted a recording of his performances, Suite Gothique by Leon Boellmann, on the Auckland Town Hall organ.
Mayer’s ability and talent on the organ is only three years young. The organist took up the instrument after he competed grade five on the piano and with the encouragement of his family. He has since been a regular performer at the school’s open days, weekly chapel services and other events like Waikato Hospital’s Hear and Care chaplaincy charity concert.
The scholarship offer came as a “huge surprise” to Mayer who says it is given to a “very elite selection of high school students.”
“To be among those selected is a huge confidence boost for the work and commitment that I have made to music,” Mayer said.
He learnt of his scholarship success while leaving the St Paul’s carpark with his mother who “slammed on the breaks with surprise by the financial support that the scholarship would provide.”
While at the university Mayer plans to extend his musical ability by completing a Diploma in Practical Music Performance (organ). He will also work towards a career in engineering by committing to a three year mechanical engineering undergraduate degree.
