WEDNESDAY was a special day for singer and keyboardist Sherona Ingersoll.
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The 20-year-old was lucky enough to be performing her first paid gig in the University of New England courtyard.
Ingersoll was given the break as part of a local music initiative called the Merchant Venturers.
Program manager Marc Jennings said the idea came about as a way to forge connections between city life and the university, as well as giving budding musicians a chance to be paid.
“It’s been linked up with sponsors such as Black Dot Music and three people perform ever Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime here in the courtyard,” he said.
“One person is then paid every session.”
Mr Jennings said the chance to play at the university also gave those living in Armidale a chance to see what the campus was like.
“It brings people here who might not be used to university atmosphere,” he said.
“They can get an idea of what it is like here and who knows - they may even decide to start studying here.”
The regular music sessions have run since last year and Mr Jennings said the response has been positive.
“It can be more like a cabaret atmosphere while people are eating their lunch - but sometimes they are tapping along to the music and they applaud at the end,” he said.