Dalby musician takes centre stage in Brisbane

Tan McKie was among 1000 students who took part in the State Honours Ensemble Program last week in Brisbane.

PASSION: Tan McKie took part in the State Honours Ensemble Program last week. Picture: Dominic Elsome

THE school holidays were a little different for Tan McKie as the Dalby State High student headed off to Brisbane for a week of musical experience.

Tan was part one of more than 1000 students who descended on the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane for the 17th State Honours Ensemble Program.

The program was four days of musical experience, as students were organised into orchestras, culminating with a concert in the main auditorium.

Tan said the experience was invaluable and unique.

"We played a lot of classical repertoire - it was my first time being principle trombone in such a big event so it was quite a good learning experience, to lead and know what that responsibility is like,” he said.

With the conclusion of the program, Tan is now eagerly waiting to hear whether he will be accepted to study for a Music degree at the Conservatorium next year.

He said all he wanted was to remain involved with music in one form or another.

"I just want to be a performer, eventually I want to go into tertiary teaching, so I want to contribute something - write a paper, record something, contribute to music,” he said.

"It doesn't really faze me, whether it be classical, jazz or teaching or performing - it's just I want to be in music.”

Dalby State High School instrumental music teacher Rachael Summerville said Tan's passion for music was wonderful to see.

"To have a student who actually wants to go on and keep studying music is quite rare, it doesn't happen very often,” Mrs Summerville said.

She said the ensemble program was an incredible opportunity for regional music students to experience.

"It's fantastic to be able to send them off and to have a place that does cater,” she said.