But probably not like this. And probably not so publicly.

A member of the audience at the Australian National Eisteddfod at Llewellyn Hall was transfixed when a little blonde moppet stood patiently by the conductor throughout a performance by the Canberra High School band.

Music lover Carolyn Kidd was there to watch her relative Imogen Rayner perform in the band.

When a very young child walked out with the conductor, she took a couple of photographs and wondered about the story behind her appearance.

"When he walked on stage with her, holding her hand, it really was quite an extraordinary moment and so delightful," Ms Kidd said.

"I'm sure I wasn't the only member of the audience who was intrigued. I almost expected him to make an announcement or introduce her."

Turns out it was a tale many parents can relate to all too well.

Canberra High School music teacher Steve Crispin simply had to take his kids to work because his younger child, Esther McAlary-Crispin, 4, was sick and his partner was on a two-week project working overseas.

"She just had a cough and we were keeping her from preschool," he said.

But the show had to go on, and the little girl stood still and upright next to her dad as he guided the band through the jazz instrumental Birdland by Weather Report.

"Esther probably didn't want to stand by herself in a strange setting off the stage but I think she also secretly enjoyed the attention," Mr Crispin said.

And the band obviously kept on song, winning a silver trophy for their performance.

"They played really well and enjoyed themselves, which is the most important thing," he said.

And like many Canberra families, this one is finding itself juggling a lot.

Mr Crispin's partner, Dione McAlary, works for the Australian Catholic University and is currently in Armenia on a project documenting traces of graveyards destroyed in the Armenian genocide.

That has left Mr Crispin at home to hold the fort with Esther and her big brother Miles, 7.

"She's got another week-and-a-half to go. I could tell you the hours," he said, with a laugh.

Mr Crispin was technically on leave on Thursday but back at his desk preparing lesson plans, with Esther by his side, getting ready for a return to the classroom.

"There's never a day off," he said, good-naturedly.