NICK PARNELL has come a long way since teaching himself to play the drums in his parents' sheep shearing shed.
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Today he is one of the world's leading vibraphone players and this month he will perform at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
And if you're one of many who don't know what a vibraphone is, Parnell said it's only more reason to see it in person.
"Imagine an xylophone but with a pedal like a piano ... It sounds similar to a piano but more like a bell sound," he said.
"When the vibraphone is played well it can be a smooth, heavenly sounding instrument.
WATCH NICK PLAY BELOW:
"I am passionate about showing audiences what can really be done with a vibraphone."
Ballarat-born piano player Julie Sargent will join Parnell for his Ballarat performance on May 15 which he said was going have a focus on both visual and sound elements of the vibraphone.
"The piano blends so well with the vibraphone," he said.
"People can expect to hear music they know ... but hear it in a different way, so it's familiar but new.
"People are always amazed at the sound, but what's interesting about the vibraphone is it's a visual piece and people are often intrigued by that.
"If you're a little unsure what to expect, then come along."
Parnell will perform international classics such as Gershwin's Summertime, Albeniz's Tango and Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.
THE INFO
WHAT: Nick Parnell National Tour with Julie Sargent
WHEN: Friday, May 15 at 7.30pm
WHERE: Art Gallery of Ballarat
TICKETS: $35, concession and members $30, student $15
BOOKINGS: 5320 5858 or online at aregalleryofballarat.com.au
