鈥淭his was completely out of my comfort zone, but that鈥檚 where growth happens.鈥�Ms Teresa Brix
When teachers continue to live their craft at the highest level, students see what dedication, relevance and love for music can truly become.
When the lights came up on & Juliet at the Empire Theatre, more than 6,700 audience members were treated to a bold, high鈥慹nergy production backed by an extraordinary team of professional musicians. Among them were two familiar faces from 小猪视频: Ms Teresa Brix and Mr Mark Chalmers.
For the TGS community, their involvement in one of the region鈥檚 largest theatrical productions is something to celebrate, not simply as a professional achievement, but as a powerful reminder of the value of teachers who remain deeply connected to their craft.
Ms Brix, a classically trained violinist and violist, has long been part of the Empire Theatre musical landscape. Returning for & Juliet marked both a revisit and a reinvention. The production demanded a steep learning curve: synchronising to click tracks, navigating constant headphone use and managing individual mixing desks, it was far removed from the traditional orchestral setting.
For Ms Brix, the challenge wasn鈥檛 just personal. It was professional, as the experience sharpened her understanding of the modern performance world, knowledge she brings directly back into the classroom. From senior students exploring contemporary pathways to junior boys fascinated by the mechanics of live performance, her real鈥憌orld experience adds real relevance to her lessons.
Mr Chalmers, a highly respected bass guitarist who performs regularly across the region, also relished the scale and intensity of the production. For him, & Juliet offered something beyond a typical gig; the thrill of contributing to a vast collaborative effort.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a real buzz in being part of something bigger than yourself.鈥�Mr Mark Chalmers
鈥淭he band, the cast, the crew, everything comes together very quickly and everyone is expected to arrive prepared", said Mr Chalmers.
That professionalism is a cornerstone of Empire Theatre productions, with only a handful of rehearsals bringing musicians and cast together before opening night. It鈥檚 an environment that rewards experience, discipline and adaptability; qualities Mr Chalmers models every day at TGS.
Importantly, both teachers see their continued involvement in the professional music scene as an extension of their role as educators. It keeps them current, connected and credible. It builds networks with leading musicians and directors from across the country, networks that can, in turn, support students with ambition and talent.
But perhaps the most meaningful impact has been closer to home.
One of Ms Brix鈥檚 Year 3 students sat in the front row on opening night. When he returned for his next lesson, he was beaming. He had seen his teacher on stage.
鈥淭hat moment stays with you,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey start to understand what the practice leads to.鈥�
It鈥檚 a living example of the adage you can鈥檛 be what you can鈥檛 see. At TGS, students don鈥檛 just hear about musical excellence, they witness it.
Balancing the demands of major productions with full teaching schedules is no small feat, yet both Ms Brix and Mr Chalmers embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. Their ongoing professional work speaks to relevance, commitment and a genuine love of music.
The score of & Juliet was, by all accounts, a total bop, packed wall鈥憈o鈥憌all with 1990s pop anthems reimagined for the stage. Ms Brix found herself most drawn to One More Try, the show鈥檚 only original song, a lyrical, heartfelt love theme between Romeo and Juliet that lingered long after the curtain fell. For Mr Chalmers, it was Everybody (Backstreet鈥檚 Back) that hit hardest, thanks to its irresistibly fat bassline and the chance to unleash a synth鈥慴ass pedal.
From the orchestra pit to the practice room, from centre stage to the classroom, they remind us that excellence is not static, it鈥檚 lived and shared.
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