His music-loving family encouraged the youngster on the piano but when he heard his older brother playing the violin it so moved him that within eighteen months he had switched across.

But he still plays the piano and the recorder and guitar bass.

``He's very talented,'' orchestra manager Jenny Bounds said.

It was his music teacher who urged the Blacktown Patrician Brothers student to join the orchestra when they were looking for a violinist.

Johannes then made his debut at a performance of the Messiah at the Joan Southerland Centre late last year.

``The orchestra gave him a good chance to keep using his skills,'' his mum said.

But to Johannes it is more than just playing the violin.

``Music is really, really emotional,'' the year 10 student said. ``It is the most important thing in this life because it is the nourishment of the spirit.

``If I had a message for my peers it would be to take up music instead of drugs, do music.''

Johannes will join other members of the Penrith Symphony Orchestra at the Joan Sutherland Centre on Saturday night.

See also page 34.