An inspiration

Amethyst Barnbrook joins Sergeant Pete Gow, of the Air Command Band, in a rehearsal.

A YOUTH born with a severe disability stood out as an inspiration to members of the RAAF Air Command Band during the band’s recent tour of the NSW South Coast.

Amethyst Barnbrook, of Narooma, joined the band’s trumpet players at a rehearsal.

Amethyst is confined to a motorised wheelchair but by using three of her toes and strong lungs she has learned to play the trumpet.

Her father, Barny, a music teacher, has adapted a trumpet that can be attached by a bracket to her wheelchair. Amethyst uses small electronic switches under her toes to work the three valves of the trumpet.

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