Show brings out the full range of emotion

By Casey Neill
A BAND of hill school kids got a taste of the big time last month when they graced televisions screens across the country.
AudioSpectrum’s performance on Channel 7 program Australia’s Got Talent was broadcast on 20 May.
Drummer Nelson said performing in front of the judges was a daunting experience.
“It was really intimidating. You don’t expect the judges to be that close,” he said.
“They’re just staring at you. But it was exciting as well.”
Despite receiving a standing ovation, the band was not put through to the next round.
Francis Piccin, the band’s manager and father of four of the members, said it seemed the judges had ‘reached their quota’ for child acts.
Nine-year-old lead singer Danielle was brought to tears by harsh criticism from judges Dannii Minogue and Tom Burlinson.
But judge Red Symons was full of praise for the group.
“Red Symons said we were fantastic,” bass player Brenton said.
“He said we were the best band he’s seen since he was young.”
The band formed following a successful music program at the family’s local church 10 years ago.
The slightly different line-up was known as HizKidz.
“But as the kids grew up, HizKidz just didn’t suit anymore,” Mr Piccin said.
The family met Mountain District Christian School student and guitarist Ethan when they relocated to Ferntree Gully from Canberra and invited him to join the band.
The new line-up considered more than 100 names to find one that fit, but most were already taken.
“Then Ethan’s brother suggested AudioSpectrum and the choice was unanimous,” Mr Piccin said.
Audio relates to sound, while spectrum refers to the wide range of music genres the band’s music encompasses.
Brenton, the oldest member of the group at 18, cited reggae, Celtic, classical and Aboriginal sounds as just some of the band’s influences.
“You listen to everything and hear what works in those songs and then you grab the bits and put it together,” he said.
Fifteen-year-old Nelson’s affinity with the drum kit dates back to when he was just six months old and his father tapped out rhythms on his back to help him sleep.
“By the time he was two he’d already developed an amazing sense of rhythm,” Mr Piccin said.
At the age of two Nelson began drumming on formula tins and by the time he was four he could read drum sheet music.
His ability to play didgeridoo and drums simultaneously contributes to the band’s unique sound.
Twelve-year-old Renee first took up keyboard about five years ago.
Australia’s Got Talent was not the first time the band had appeared on the small screen.
A few years ago they performed on Channel 10’s Good Morning Australia where they met UK crooner Jamie Callum.
“He wanted to take Nelson back to England,” Brenton said.
The band has performed across Australia and has shared the stage with the likes of Guy Sebastian, Christine Anu, Human Nature and James Morrison.