Year 12 student Billy Stewart's Easter school holidays has been a whirlwind of outstanding results in competitions in Australia and across the Tasman in New Zealand.

Earlier in the year, Billy was invited to perform with Willoughby Brass, one of Australia’s leading brass bands, at the Australian National Band Championships in Brisbane over Easter. So after rehearsals in Sydney, Billy and Willoughby went to try their luck at the championships. 

He won the Junior Eb Cornet title and was runner-up in the Junior Bb Cornet. His band, Willoughby Brass, also delivered an exceptional performance, taking out first place in A Grade.

Following this success in Brisbane, Billy flew to Wellington, New Zealand, to compete in the New Zealand National Brass Band Championships, both as a soloist and with his home band, Wodonga Brass. He placed third in the Junior Cornet section and achieved first place in the Junior Slow Melody. Wodonga Brass also performed strongly, earning a commendable result in the C Grade competition.

Alongside these achievements, Billy has balanced a demanding academic schedule in Year 12 while taking on a lead role in Scots’ production of Bring It On. His accomplishments reflect an exceptional level of dedication, talent and commitment across both his academic and co-curricular pursuits.