In 2016, Liam took part in a once in a lifetime experience of singing in amazing venues in Europe, and now he’s getting ready to do it all over again.

Not bad for a young man who started out as a dancer. 

When he was in year four, he became a little bit accident prone and was unable to continue dancing. Then one day, after his mother Sharon heard him singing in his room, she suggested he take lessons.

“So I quit dancing,” Liam explained. “And I’m glad I did, because look where it has taken me.”

Liam has recently completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) and is on the cusp of his 18th birthday, but before he moves on fully from his high school career, he’s taking advantage of one more Department of Education opportunity.

He’ll be joining around 70 students from 39 public schools, mainly ‘west of the divide’, as they perform at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, the Postonja Caves and St Mark’s Bassilica in Venice.

They form the fourth West of the Divide band tour which in January 2019 will travel to Europe for scheduled performances in Rome, Florence, Venice, Bled and Zagreb.

The two ensembles will perform in some amazing venues and experience workshops with international maestros, school visits and workshops and in two Australian embassies, one in Rome on our arrival and one on Australia Day in Zagreb.

In Croatia, they will live the culture through experiencing a vocal Clapa singing workshop. Clapa is a Croatian folk singing style.

Liam joined fellow GHS students Mauatua and Hanu Barff, Nina Samson, and Grace Forrester as part of the 2016 band which toured through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic.

Like last time, Liam has needed to raise the funds for the trip which he has successfully done by writing letters to the local service clubs and businesses asking for support. He found himself invited to numerous service club engagements, where his singing was rewarded with a donation.

Unlike last time, Liam will be travelling solo, but he has already started bonding with his fellow singers during an intensive singing camp held during the school holidays.

The opportunity came about much the same as last time. After he spent time at a week long vocal camp in Tamworth earlier this year, he was invited to take part in the travelling band. 

“It’s such a unique and memorial experience,” Liam said. “It’s an opportunity to meet new people from different part of NSW.”

So how could he say no. 

“It’s an exiting opportunity," he smiled. “Why would I want to miss it.”

Since year four he has been taking singing lessons with GHS music teacher, Judy Ingram, as well as taking part in numerous vocal camps and one on one vocal coaching from professional singers.

This most recent achievement is just adding to a long list of singing experiences, including singing as part of a choir in the Sydney Opera House, lead roles in school musicals and singing solo or part of a group at many community events.

But his favourite moment so far was being asked to be a featured artist in Capers in November 2017. This is a Department of Education production held in Tamworth similar to School Spectacular, which features the exceptional talent of public schools students.

As for his future, he’s looking into different options, including the creative industries avenue with a focus on stage production and lighting. He recently completed work experience on a theatrical concert is Sydney and absolutely loved it.

“I loved the atmosphere,” Liam said. “ I loved being around people with the same passion for music and production as me.”

As for his singing…

“I want to pursue it in some way in the future,” he said.