TALENT is something 16-year-old Millie Davidson has in spades, with her gift for music taking her to Melbourne to perform alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College Year 11 student was one of nine players selected from the Melbourne Youth Orchestra to perform with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra a few weeks ago in a NAIDOC Week special concert, Spinifex Gum.

With her viola in hand, Millie accompanied the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Marliya Aboriginal girls’ choir, Felix Riebl (from The Cat Empire), and Emma Donovan in a performance led by Ben Northey.

The performance was a symphonic version of a show which highlighted a political and aspirational point of view, exploring hard hitting issues Aboriginals of our past and present are and were faced with, as well as themes of friendship, empowerment, and celebrating what has been achieved.

Millie said being involved in a performance of this scale was a dream come true and she was grateful to be part of such a meaningful show.

“This was a special concert for me, as I got to tell a powerful story through music as well as work alongside some amazing professional musicians,” she said.

“As a classical player it was an eye-opening and exciting experience to change up the genre and play some pop-rock music.”

Millie has been a member of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra Flagship for two years now, with her parents accompanying her to Melbourne and back each weekend for rehearsals and performances.

To become part of the orchestra, Millie had to complete a competitive audition process where she competed against over 2000 other musically talented students.

“This involved filling out an application form then presenting six excerpts from famous orchestra pieces, followed by a piece of my own choice,” Millie said.

“It’s estimated over 2000 participants audition each year for the Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s and only 80 get into the Flagship orchestra - which is the top orchestra, ages between 15-25 - and only eight viola’s get selected.

“Being a member of this orchestra means I have to drive to Melbourne every Saturday as well as committing to extra rehearsals for concert weeks and for any other extra concerts.”

Millie also received her Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) a few months ago, which is a diploma award given to candidates who demonstrate outstanding performance and theory skills in their exams.

The AMusA Diploma has a national success rate of 10 per cent, with Millie crediting her success to The Hamilton and Alexandra College strings music teacher, Mr Singh, and The Hamilton and Alexandra College director of music, Mr Hiscock. 

“I couldn’t have been able to get this Diploma without Mr Singh and Mr Hiscock who were big supporters throughout this journey and even travelled up to Melbourne with me on the day of my exam,” she said.

When the pressures associated with her music success become overwhelming, Millie said she enjoys spending time on her other passion – hockey.

“Music is a big part of my life, being a part of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, school ensembles as well as focusing on my own practice is quite time consuming, but music is not my only passion and love,” she said.

“I’ve been playing hockey now for five years though I was robbed of a season due to COVID-19 - when music and schoolwork gets too much, hockey is something I fall back on.

“It’s refreshing to run around and get to know a team of people I might never have got to know behind books or a music stand.”

Millie has also experienced success while on the field, receiving Best and Fairest and top goal scorer for Div 2 Women’s hockey in the Glenelg region.

“(It’s) an achievement I’m very proud of,” Millie said.

Millie said her love of music was unwavering and at this stage she hoped to continue studying it after school at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, but was unsure if she will pursue it as a career.

“While music is very big part of my life, I can’t say I know it will be my final destination,” she said.

“After school I do plan to study music at the Conservatorium of Melbourne, but after this I would love to peruse a career in medicine, though music will always be my love and passion.”