Tom will be performing with the West of the Divide Wind Band and Choir as they travel to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.

After participating in the Western Music Camp earlier in the year Tom was offered a spot in the West of the Divide Wind Band and Choir.

Tom, who plays the flute, said he is not really nervous about the tour, but excited for his first overseas trip.

“I’m excited to go to Venice and Rome, probably most excited for Italy,” he said.

Tom said learning to play the tin whistle in year eight and rummaging through his garage played a large part in him learning to play the flute.

“One day I was searching around the garage and found mum’s 30-year-old flute. I brought it into the school music teacher, Mr Rutan ... and started getting lessons.”

The wind band and choir will be taking 72 students from 39 schools to perform in various historical places including a Choral Mass at St Peters Basilica, a concert in the Postojna Caves in Slovenia and a performance in Croatia’s Lisinki Hall as part of Australia Day celebrations.

Along with performing, the Wind Band and Choir will undertake several choral and wind ensemble workshops to improve the students’ skills.

The members of the Wind Band and Choir were given at least 15 band pieces and 5 combined choir pieces to learn, which they will perform in next year’s tour. During October, members of the band were able to practice together during a week-long camp at Lake Burrendong.

Tom said the packed schedule was going to be intense, but would give him a lot of experience performing, which will help him as he plans to pursue a career in the music industry after school.

Forbes High School Principal Safija Bristina said it’s exciting to see students like Tom doing well.

“Students need to have the courage and confidence to have a go and they will never be surprised at how great the outcome can be.”