WHEN you’re a seven-year-old boy living on a 809 hectare cattle and lucerne property with no neighbours in close proximity there’s only one thing to do – start learning the drums and percussion.
Now 10, pint sized Chinchilla boy Grant Dolbel has gained the attention of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussionist, David Montgomery, for his talented musical ability.
Grant met Mr Montgomery when the QSO travelled to the region in October to collaborate with music teachers and perform with local musicians.
The QSO and the Chinchilla Concert Band, one of six Grant is a part of, joined forces with the pair hitting it off.
With the support of his parents, Amy and Wayne, Grant now travels the four hours to Brisbane every three to four weeks to train with Mr Montgomery.
The lessons are three hours long, which according to Mr Montgomery is “extraordinary” for a boy Grant’s age.
Grant’s mother, Amy Dolbel, said their son had always had a love for music from 18 months of age so when he turned seven they organised drumming lessons for him in Chinchilla.
Just six weeks later he was playing the instrument during his music teacher’s concert.
“He seemed to take to it,” she said.
“My husband and I, we are not musical whatsoever but both our boys are really into music. Grant’s older brother Ryan plays trombone. There are lots of family concerts.”
It was The Addams Family which Grant first learnt to play on the drums but he has since gone on to play Pirates of the Caribbean and his personal favourite, The Beach Boys.
Grant aims to practice on his kit, situated beside the lounge room in the family home, most days and said it would be an honour to one day play for the QSO.
“I love playing drumming because it makes me happy and I love seeing people like it when I play it,” he said.
Through his visits to Mr Montgomery, Grant has played everything from Marimba to hand percussion and Tympany.
Ms Dolbel said knowing their son was dedicated to the practice is what motivates them to go the extra distance for Grant.
“I think his love of music drives us...plenty of kilometres,” she said.