Musicians First, Teachers Always

When the lights came up on & Juliet at the Empire Theatre, more than 6,700 audience members were treated to a bold, high‑energy production backed by an extraordinary team of professional musicians. Among them were two familiar faces from Toowoomba Grammar School: Ms Teresa Brix and Mr Mark Chalmers.

For the TGS community, their involvement in one of the region’s largest theatrical productions is something to celebrate, not simply as a professional achievement, but as a powerful reminder of the value of teachers who remain deeply connected to their craft.

Ms Brix, a classically trained violinist and violist, has long been part of the Empire Theatre musical landscape. Returning for & Juliet marked both a revisit and a reinvention. The production demanded a steep learning curve: synchronising to click tracks, navigating constant headphone use and managing individual mixing desks, it was far removed from the traditional orchestral setting.

For Ms Brix, the challenge wasn’t just personal. It was professional, as the experience sharpened her understanding of the modern performance world, knowledge she brings directly back into the classroom. From senior students exploring contemporary pathways to junior boys fascinated by the mechanics of live performance, her real‑world experience adds real relevance to her lessons.

Mr Chalmers, a highly respected bass guitarist who performs regularly across the region, also relished the scale and intensity of the production. For him, & Juliet offered something beyond a typical gig; the thrill of contributing to a vast collaborative effort.

“The band, the cast, the crew, everything comes together very quickly and everyone is expected to arrive prepared", said Mr Chalmers.

That professionalism is a cornerstone of Empire Theatre productions, with only a handful of rehearsals bringing musicians and cast together before opening night. It’s an environment that rewards experience, discipline and adaptability; qualities Mr Chalmers models every day at TGS.

Importantly, both teachers see their continued involvement in the professional music scene as an extension of their role as educators. It keeps them current, connected and credible. It builds networks with leading musicians and directors from across the country, networks that can, in turn, support students with ambition and talent.

But perhaps the most meaningful impact has been closer to home.

One of Ms Brix’s Year 3 students sat in the front row on opening night. When he returned for his next lesson, he was beaming. He had seen his teacher on stage.

“That moment stays with you,” she said. “They start to understand what the practice leads to.”

It’s a living example of the adage you can’t be what you can’t see. At TGS, students don’t just hear about musical excellence, they witness it.

Balancing the demands of major productions with full teaching schedules is no small feat, yet both Ms Brix and Mr Chalmers embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. Their ongoing professional work speaks to relevance, commitment and a genuine love of music.

The score of & Juliet was, by all accounts, a total bop, packed wall‑to‑wall with 1990s pop anthems reimagined for the stage. Ms Brix found herself most drawn to One More Try, the show’s only original song, a lyrical, heartfelt love theme between Romeo and Juliet that lingered long after the curtain fell. For Mr Chalmers, it was Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) that hit hardest, thanks to its irresistibly fat bassline and the chance to unleash a synth‑bass pedal.