A $1,000 check from the Webster Beal Student Music Fund was handed to Nataleigh Blackman on Wednesday, March 1 to help with her upcoming trip to compete in a national singing competition at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Webster Beal Student Music Fund was established in memory of Arthur Webster and Danny Beal, two beloved local musicians who entertained audiences on the peninsula for decades. They were both dedicated to their music and were always happy to share their talent and enthusiasm with eager students. The objective of this fund, is to help local youth, who would like to explore music, by assisting with the cost of lessons or the purchase of an instrument.

“It is a wonderful thing they have done,” said Karen Blackman, Nataleigh’s grandmother who will be accompanying her on the trip.

The presentation was done at the Opera House by John Webster, Arthur Webster’s brother and a member of the Webster Beal Fund committee.

“We’ve helped a few students with their musical aspirations but we are willing to help more,” said Webster of the Fund which was started in 2019. Past recipients include Keegan Murray, Ciara Pitcher and Suzie Edwards.

Nataleigh, 18, competed in Tennessee in 2019 and placed third. This year she has won her age group again and will be traveling to Tennessee March 12-19.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Webster Beal Student Music Fund can do so through the Opera House, which administers the fund. The address is Opera House, P.O. Box 800, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. Please note it is for the Webster-Beal Fund, so not to confuse it with their ongoing annual appeal fund.

If you would like to donate to Nataleigh, her address is Nataleigh Blackman, P.O. Box 482, Boothbay, ME 04537.