From the Hoods to the Navy - Elder student wins big
Elder Conservatorium of Music student Maksym Grynchuk's trumpet playing has netted him two major prizes and enough prize money to set him on the way to making an album.
Maksym isn't blowing his own trumpet - but he's one talented young musician.
Coming from a musical family, Grynchuk played piano for eight years as a child before picking up the trumpet in high school.
Since then, the 23-year-old from Hillcrest, has gone on to complete his Bachelor of Music with honours at Adelaide University and performed around the country with the Hilltop Hoods, SA 's Royal Australian Navy Band and the Mike Stewart Big Band.
"When I first started playing (trumpet) in high school, I loved the camaraderie of playing in bands with other musicians, Grynchuk says.
"It's just stayed fun for me.
I've been able to play with some of my best friends and have some pre tty amazing experiences.
His talent has now been formally recognised in the Helpmann Academy's annual jazz prize-giving.
Grynchuk won two major prizes - the Keith & Susie Langley Memorial Award for being the best overall honours graduate, along with the Mike Stewart Memorial Award.
The $17,500 of prize money will help him to achieve his dream of releasing an album.
Such success, he believes, "opens a lot of doors for any musician".
"It guides you that you' re on the right tracks and just makes me want to keep working hard and keep going," he says.
Picture: AAP/ROY VANDERVEGT
Source: The Messenger, North-NorthEastern