Hundreds of primary and high school students from the ACT region united at the Australian National University on Tuesday for a special performance by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, lead by maestro Nicholas Milton.
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And it was an extra special experience for some.
Harry McKay, a student at The Crescent School in Goulburn which caters for students with intellectual or physical disabilities, behaviour difficulties and autism, was full of excitement on the bus ride to Llewellyn Hall.
His mother, Carolyne, said the ActewAGL Meet The Music program, which provides music therapy to the students in Goulburn and organised the performance at the ANU, has given him a newfound confidence in communicating.
"My son Harry who is here today is a classic example of how he just lights up with music, and I heard he was very excited on the bus to listen to the orchestra," she said.
"He is non-verbal but he loves classical music and guitar and has this real affinity with music where he just loves it and we are working with him to enhance his communication through music."
Harry and his classmates were joined by about 300 students from schools including Canberra Grammar, St Francis Xavier College, Campbell High School, Wanniassa School, Goulburn High School and Christian Home Educators Connection home school.
The audience sat silent and wide-eyed as Dr Milton led the concert that focused on Symphony No. 7 in D minor by Antonin Dvořák.
Dr Milton, the chief conductor and artistic director of CSO, said the orchestra's education, community and regional engagement programs were close to his heart.
"Watching the impact of when our musicians perform for young children, people with Parkinson's or for students with disabilities has changed my ideas and thoughts about what an orchestra means to its community," he said.
And it changes the ideas and thoughts of the listeners as well, registered music therapist at The Crescent School, Clare Jones, said.
"Music really lights up the whole brain," she said.
"For our students who have difficulties engaging with their learning or with people, it's another way they can connect with the people and world around them and provides them with a great way of expressing themselves non-verbally."
