The year 12 students from Griffith and Wade High Schools faced the examiners for their HSC music performance.

Each performed three pieces for their practical assessment in different genres, from rock to classical, with even a cultural Samoan piece thrown in.

HSC music teacher Neil Mahaffey said the exam, which was held in the Griffith High School performing arts building last Monday, was the culmination of 18 months of hard work for the students.

“They went really well and all came out fairly pleased with how they performed, but mainly glad to have it over,” he said.

“Some did solos, some ensemble and there was everything from Credence Clearwater and The Charlie Daniels Band’s Devil Went Down to Georgia to a cultural Samoan performance.”

Wade High student Tim Matthews said he felt a weight had been lifted after delivering his polished guitar performance.

“I’m very, very relieved,” he said. “It was a lot more relaxing than I thought it would be. I’m happy with how I performed and it’s good to know this part of my exam is over.”

Sally Anderssen from Griffith High admitted she was nervous before showing what she could do on bass.

“Before I went in I was feeling quite sick but... I actually enjoyed it,” she said.

This exam makes up 70 per cent of the HSC mark. Written exams begin on October 16 with business studies and some languages, while the last exams will be held on November 13.