Students from Catholic Education colleges in the Diocese of Rockhampton joined Queensland’s best young instrumentalists recently, at Griffith University’s Queensland Conservatorium of Music, State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Queensland.

Students travelled to Brisbane to attend the four-day program which culminated in a performance at the Conservatorium Theatre.

SHEP is an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence.

For talented tuba player from Emerald’s Marist College, Drew Ferguson, this was the second time he had been selected for SHEP after attending the program last year and also participating in SHEP Capricornia in Rockhampton earlier this year.

“Participating at SHEP Queensland allows me to push my musical abilities to the next level,” Drew said.

“It gives me the opportunity to work with eminent conductors and perform alongside some of the best young musicians from throughout the state, which is an invaluable experience,” he said.

Although no audience was permitted to attend the final concert due to COVID-19 restrictions, Drew was thrilled to be able to perform.

“The buzz of performing, even if it’s to an empty theatre, is indescribable and I’m very excited to be given opportunities like SHEP Queensland. I am very grateful to my music teachers at Marist and through SHEP for getting me to this level of performance,” Drew said.