But this 19-year-old’s passion didn’t begin until he took up playing the saxophone in the school band during Year 6. What began as an interest and ‘something to do after school’, slowly developed into the knowledge that this was the only career path for him.
By the time he was in Year 10, Tom began to get serious. He took up the invitation to join local jazz musicians and his teacher for a weekly live performance at a local bowling club.
“Hanging around pro-fessional musicians and experiencing live perform-ances inspired and motivated me. This was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!” said Tom.
After his HSC, he made the decision to enrol in a Bachelor of Arts (Jazz Performance) degree and also heard about the Hast-ings Education Fund, a local foundation assisting Hastings youth to reach their study and career goals. He successfully applied for a grant and used the funds to purchase and maintain a soprano saxophone and to get other items he needed to start university.
Tom said, “The Hastings Education Fund grant took a great deal of pressure off me and allowed me to be able to just focus on what I love doing best. My degree involves a lot of practical elements, not a lot of theory, so it is essential to have an instrument that is in prime condition, as it gets a good workout.”
Next year, Tom is taking up a challenge in Mount Gambier, due to his current course becoming less performance focused. He hopes eventually to travel to the USA and encourages other young people in the Hastings to take the opportunity to follow their passion.
