IGS alumnus to wow concertgoers with one-off performance with former teacher

An Ipswich Grammar School Old Boy and music legend will return to his alma mater to perform a special recital with the school’s former IGS director of music.

Pianist Daniel Philippe with former Ipswich Grammar School Director of Music Robin Etter-Cleave.

Ipswich Grammar School 1989 graduate Daniel Philippe will return to his alma mater on May 21 to showcase his talents with his former high school music teacher.

Philippe is well-known to students involved in the arts.

He has played piano in ensembles across southeast Queensland including the Ipswich City Orchestra and the Ipswich City Big Band.

Often improvised, his performances can be challenging to predict and range from mellow, meditative stylings through to jazz and funk.

Former IGS Director of Music Robin Etter-Cleave (nee Boothby) has seen Philippe flourish as an artist and knew he was destined to pursue music after school.

Former Ipswich Grammar School Director of Music Robin Etter-Cleave, with pianist Daniel Philippe.

“He was such a talented student – he was outstanding,” Ms Etter-Cleave said.

“I always knew he was going to do something with music because he was such a serious student. Music came easy to him.

“I’m looking forward to performing with Dan and sharing in his music — he is an amazing composer.

“Music is exactly what he was meant to do.”

In 2007 Philippe released his first album, under the moniker Reflectiv, an ambient jazz effort.

Ipswich Grammar School Old Boy and pianist, Daniel Philippe.

He said he was also looking forward to playing with his former high school teacher.

“I don’t normally get nervous when I play but I think I will be a bit nervous performing with her,” Philippe said.

“There will be some improvisation involved. I’m also looking forward to bouncing some ideas.

“It’s (piano) a way that I can connect with something deeper in my life, a way to get away from the stress and pressure of life and sometimes even to enter a spiritual place where all that stuff melts away.

“I’m looking forward to taking my life’s journey back in a circle to a place where my musical talent was encouraged so much and I’m excited about what could be next.”