As part of the Australian Youth Orchestra’s chamber music and regional outreach program, five talented musicians aged 18-25 have had the opportunity to live the experience of a touring ensemble.

Crossmaglen Public School was turned into makeshift concert hall on Tuesday as part of the program, with the five musicians performing snippets of their full repertoire for students from Crossmaglen, Bonville, and William Bayldon Public School’s, and for members of the Bonville Boambee VIEW Club and Loins club.

Sebastian Dunn, Alistair Crawford and Karina Filipi, along with Louisa Trewartha and Josh Rogan educated students about the different brass instruments, as well as performing a 20-minute concert, a format Sebastian looks forward to at each stop.

“Participating in the school concerts we get to practise a different kind of musical entertainment,” he said.

“You gain extra skills you need as a musician, like working with children, and educating people about music.

“I think that maths and english are important, but I think music is vital as it encompasses parts of learning that cannot be taught anywhere else.

“Some of the kids we perform for go nuts, especially in the regional schools – it’s a great introduction to brass music and can show kids what they can achieve if they work hard.”

AYO tutor Paul Goodchild praised the beautiful Coffs Harbour area, and said if he could make a living out of travelling around and teaching children about music he would give up his day job – as a renowned trumpet player in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The 90-minute formal concert starts on Saturday at 7.30pm and will feature music by Bach, Gabrielli, Arnold, Previn, and Bernstein.