From leading the double bass section at BYO to studying Environmental Management at the University of Queensland, Finn’s passion for music continues to thrive. We caught up with him to hear about his BYO memories, life in Brisbane, and the advice he has for our next generation of musicians.
When did you play with the BYO?
I was a part of the BYO all throughout high school, starting in 2014 and continuing until 2019.
What instruments do you play?
I play double bass pretty well and a lot of bits and bobs very poorly! But I love the struggle of giving things a go!
Where could we find you now?
I’m currently living in Brisbane, undertaking the third year of my Environmental Management undergraduate degree at the University of Queensland. I play double bass with the community-based Brisbane Symphonic Band and Swing Band as much as I can to keep those chops up!
Life gets busy quickly, and it has been so important to make sure I keep up with the things that are dear to me. Making music is at the top of that list!
What was your favourite memorable moment with the orchestra?
Honestly, it was the first time I had a full double bass section to be a part of during sectionals, rather than having to sneak into the back of the classroom the cellos were using! Watching the orchestra grow and getting to the point where there was a crew of younger players I could share my instrument with was really special.
What is on your playlist this week?
Charles Mingus! It’s always Mingus—a crazy man with even crazier music that I’ll never get enough of. Once university classes kick off again, I’ll get back into my Bill Evans and Chopin—they’re the perfect study buddies!
What was the best thing you took away from the BYO?
The importance of immersion. Constantly being surrounded by music and musicians is essential to your growth as a player. It’s social, fun, and interesting, and it makes you want to play more and more. As a result, you get better and better.
Having people I constantly looked up to, both as musicians and as individuals—whether they were older students, tutors, or educators—was so important. So was having the opportunity to talk to and learn from them week in and week out.
We have lots of new players every year… do you have any advice for our young players?
Play with your friends! Make a string quartet, a jazz ensemble, a folk group, or a rock band, and get your friends to join in. Rehearse on the weekend, during lunch, or after school—whenever you get the chance—and just have fun with it.
Show each other what you’re listening to, make arrangements of your favourite tunes, and just spend time with your friends making whatever music you can. It doesn’t matter how good you are, because this is the way you’ll become as good as you want to be. You need to put yourself in a position where you want to practise.
And if you don’t know anyone yet, that’s the beautiful thing about being in an orchestra. During afternoon tea, go up to someone who plays an instrument you’d like to jam with and start chatting!
What essential creative experience should we be adding to our ‘to do’ list this year?
This orchestra is fantastic at providing a wide range of creative experiences. Keep having concerts that feature student conductors and soloists. The inspiration and opportunities these events create are something I remember really fondly from my time in the BYO.
If you could travel to one place in 2026/27, where would it be?
I’d go back to Thailand. It’s my favourite country I’ve visited so far. Awesome people, culture, and food—I would do anything for khao soi!
