Community & Business
28 June, 2022
Bursary inspired by John’s love of music
A TEACHER’S love of music and watching his students strive to achieve their goals as instrumentalists is living on through his bursary
A teacher at Herberton State High before he passed away in 2017, John Greatrex was wellknown for his passion for music and his commitment to ensuring students had the best chance to realise their ambitions.
Mr Greatrex’s wife, Louisa, who describes her late husband as “energetic and passionate about education from the day he first started teaching”, started the bursary in his honour.
The aim of the John Greatrex Aspiring Music Bursary is to fund individual music learning opportunities for passionate and enthusiastic students.
He was described as the real life “School of Rock” and Mrs Greatrex knew she had to keep his legacy going through a bursary.
“John was a passionate musician and music educator who, over many years, influenced and supported many young people in their desire to pursue their love of music,” she said.
“John not only taught students, but he also inspired and motivated them, and in his own words, always tried to create an atmosphere in which kids could experience success.”
The bursary has already assisted five students from Herberton State High School, Malanda State School, Atherton State School and Ravenshoe State School.
Passionate musician Jonathan Platz of Atherton High received a John Greatrex Aspiring Music Bursary in 2020 to help him cover the costs of learning piano, clarinet, theory tuition and music composition.
“My goal is to one day study music composition at university and to then go on to become a professional composer,” he said.
“Receiving the bursary was a huge honour as it meant that, besides my parents, others were financially supporting me to pursue my love of music.
“Through the financial assistance offered, I’ve been able to extend my skills in the areas of composing and performing.
It has essentially helped me get one step closer to realising my dream.
“The bursary has already helped myself and others in our musical journeys and for that, I’m extremely grateful.”
Students who wish to apply for this bursary are encouraged to speak with their music teachers who will direct them to an application form.
The Music Bursary relies heavily on donations from the community.
To make a donation, contact Mrs Greatrex through the John Greatrex Aspiring Music Bursary Facebook page or through Herberton State High School.
