While most year 12 students worry over futures and formals, Adrian Whitehall has quietly taken centre stage in Australia's classical music scene.
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The Illawarra Grammar School student will have his original composition recorded by the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 2015 - his prize for winning a nationwide young composers competition.
Adrian has previously played for the Sydney and Australian Youth orchestras.
Before picking up the double bass when he was 11, Adrian migrated through several string instruments before settling on the double bass.
"I started classical guitar at 7.
"I wanted to do it, and at the time, I had no idea it would turn into a passion," he said.
"I couldn't join the school band with classical guitar, so the conductor said I should try the electric bass and later the double bass."
After years of experience, Adrian is adept at the logistics of playing and transporting his double bass, which is taller than him.
Adrian will complete high school in 2015 and has his sights set on the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he hopes to study a bachelor of music and performance degree.