This week at the Higher School Certificate music exams, the Orange High School student impressed the marking panel when he played “Audrey” the guitar named after his late grandmother.

“She knew how passionate I was about the guitar and was always asking me how my saving was going,” he said.

Always encouraging, she kept asking if his saving was on track and finally helped him over the line so he could place his order.

“She passed away in February and I thought it was really appropriate to name the guitar after her,” Jack said.

“When it arrived from Ireland the first thing I did was get it out of the packaging and play for her.”

Jack plays in a percussive style (hitting the guitar with his hand) as well as a contemporary finger style.

“But I do like traditional celtic music as well, and playing my own compositions,” he said.

Jack says when he saw the Thomas Leeb guitar his teacher Joe Morgan had, he just wanted to own one himself.

VIDEO: Watch Jack performing on his guitar:

Now it is never far from his side.

Jack started playing electric guitar when he was 12, but gravitated to the more melodic sound of acoustic guitar.

“I just really loved the sound,” he said.

Now in his final year of schooling he’s philosophical about pursuing his music career.

“Of course I would love a solo career or perhaps play with a band - but making a living out of music is difficult,” he said.

When Jack picks up the guitar at home he’s not alone when the house fills with music.

His three siblings all play either guitar, piano, violin or sing and he says music is a big part of their lives.

Check out the public performance by Jack when he played at a recent Orange High School concert.

The piece he’s playing “Groovyard” is one of four he played for HSC markers this week.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au