Scotch College

McQueen Scholarship further boosts music at Scotch

Words: Ms Sue Faulkhead – Bequest Coordinator

What a privilege it is to remember members of the Scotch Family by naming a scholarship in their honour.

The McQueen family began their association with Scotch College in 1902 when brothers Malcolm, Thomas and Ewen all started and were followed by younger brother Frederick in 1910. Since then another three generations of McQueens have walked the corridors of Scotch.

The McQueen Memorial Music Scholarship has been bequeathed in memory of Rev Malcolm McQueen (1902), his sons, flying officer (RAAF) Finlay (Bill) McQueen (’31), killed in action 1943, Russell McQueen (’40) deceased and Kelman McQueen (’43) deceased.

John Ferguson, director of music at Scotch, described the importance of the scholarship as ‘huge’.

‘Scotch has developed a most significant reputation for musical excellence,’ he said, ‘and it must be acknowledged that music scholarships have contributed to this. Recent musicians have included the celebrated horn player Lin Jiang (’03), the outstanding cellist Ye Lian He (’02) who is now in London, composer Nicholas Buc (’99), and, most recent of all, Max Foster, the ABC Young Performer of the Year, currently in Year 12.

‘The example of musicianship and work ethic that these students bring to the broader musical community at Scotch is huge, and has done much to inspire other students to aspire to greater musical heights. This aspiration to excellence is often reflected in other aspects of their school life – boys achieving the highest results – including Dux of the School – are very often orchestral musicians.

‘During the last few years we have had to disappoint a number of excellent musicians who have applied for scholarships. I always wish we could have more scholarships to award. This generous scholarship by the McQueen family is greatly appreciated, and will give a great legacy to music at Scotch.’ GS