The young adjudicator had his eyes, and ears, focussed on the St James’ Primary School stage for the opening days of the 2016 Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter Eisteddfod.

There, he listened to numerous groups and individuals who contested the prestigious instrumental and bands section.

And, Mr Hermon liked what was on offer.

“It’s good to come back and see how the kids are going,” he said.

“In fact, it’s wonderful to return [to Muswellbrook].

“The cultural atmosphere is alive and kicking in this region.”

Raised in Muswellbrook, Mr Hermon works as an orchestral conductor, peripatetic, instrumental tutor and freelance musician, composer/arranger and stage manager based in Newcastle.

In 2012, he received his BMus in Composition and Conducting from the University of Newcastle, studying under Dr Ian Cook and Colin Spiers, respectively.

As a musician and composer, Mr Hermon performs in many Newcastle-based community orchestra on bassoon and is a permanent member of The New Empire Ballroom Ragtime 1920’s Dance Orchestra.

Last November, his newest work, LZ-129 Hindeburg, was premiered by the University of Newcastle Orchestra.

And, this year, he was commissioned by the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music to compose two fanfares for the opening of their new premises.

As a conductor, Mr Hermon works mainly with Orchestra NOVA.

In 2014, he appeared as a guest conductor at the Newcastle Youth Orchestra’s winter school.

The following year, he adopted a similar role for their kids’ concert, Introduction to the Orchestra (2015), which included a tour to Canberra and Port Macquarie.

He has also conducted for shows, including In A Pink Tutu: NIDA Education (NIDA) and, in 2015, worked as a musical director for the Wyong Musical Theatre Company Inc production of RENT!

Mr Hermon admitted he had fond memories of the eisteddfod.

“It means a lot to me,” he said.

“I performed in it – firstly, in the primary drama section, then the high school bands category.

“I was also part of an ensemble from the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.

“So, I know what the performers are going through.”