Thanks to the many donations we have received from our supporters,
The AMBER Trust is able to bring music into the lives of more and more
blind and partially sighted children like Hannah. Music really has changed
Hannah's life – she has one artificial eye and less than 10% vision in
the other.

We are delighted to announce that Jools Holland OBE is to become AMBER's patron.
He has already played a significant part in helping AMBER by making an appeal on
BBC Radio 4 on behalf of the Trust, which raised over £25,000.

An AMBER Music Awards has enabled Eleanor, who has a rare eye condition, which to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. From the first day, she blossomed in her musical studies – the College seems to inspire her.  which seems to inspire her. Here, she is blossoming in her musical studies

Lloyd Coleman continues to gofrom strength to strength. Through AMBER he has been able to upgrade his Sibelius software, which has helped him achieve great success with his compositions. Lloyd, who was the 'highly commended'  runner-up As a result, Lloyd has achieved great success with his compositions. He was the "highly commended" runner-up in the BBC Young Composer of the Year competition, and his piece was played on BBC Radio 3's breakfast show.

In November, Lloyd visited Uganda as part of the Commonwealth Resounds Music Festival. He also successfully auditioned with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and will play with them in 2008, fullfilling his long-held ambition to play in the Albert Hall.

Currently, Lloyd is compostion a piece of music for Rachel Andrews (see Music on her mind) to listen to during her race to the South Pole. Music really is Lloyd's life.

AMBER continues to support the ‘Sounds of Intent’ research project. This worthwhile project has been investigating and promoting the musical development of children and young people with severe, or profound and multiple learning difficulties, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted.

A project website is currently under development, which will provide a range of support materials and advice for teachers
in special schools, as well as parents and teaching assistants.