16 Feb 2018
BEST mates Jayden Webb and Harvey Durrance describe it as “fate”.
Both former Cardiff High students started playing the guitar in year five after being given blue instruments.
Both chose to study Music 1 for the Higher School Certificate, with each performing two solo pieces and then teaming up for two duets for their final practical exam.
On Friday, both Jayden and Harvey were among the 15 students selected to play at The University of Newcastle Conservatorium as part of Reprise, a showcase of the best performances by Hunter HSC music students. “We backed up some friends last year and came as audience members the year before, so it’s pretty amazing to be brought back this year as an example for younger students,” Jayden said.
The pair – both electric guitarists – performed Steve Vai’s Get The Hell Outta Here to close the show. “It’s about conflict and resolution,” Jayden said. “We battle each other line for line, solo for solo. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and that’s why we compare and contrast so well. The piece reflects our real-life friendly banter.”
Harvey said the pair had been involved with school productions and gigs since year seven, so were “battle hardened” for their exams. He also paid tribute to their teacher, Rod Glassop, who taught them “when things start to go pear shaped, fight harder”.
The friends are the only Hunter students who will perform in Sydney Opera House on February 19 as part of Encore, a showcase of the best students in the state. They will perform Orianthi’s Highly Strung. Jayden said Encore has been their goal since year eight. “For that fantasy to become reality is just insane.”