I went to school in Queensland, where there was a fantastic instrumental music program. I started with the recorder, but I always wanted to play the flute. One of my earliest flute memories was seeing James Galway performing something on TV. I’ll never forget the sound he produced, and I loved the design of the instrument. For a young boy, the keys looked very enticing, so the technical aspect also attracted me.

andrew macleod

Andrew Macleod. Photo © Laura Pemberton and Sam Meuleman.

I was about 10 when I began playing the flute. I was living in Rockhampton and my teacher at the time would often lend me recordings of famous flute players. That’s how I was introduced to Jean-Pierre Rampal and, of course, Jimmy Galway. It was an important exposure, and the seed was planted.

As for the piccolo, I remember the Queensland Symphony Orchestra coming to Rockhampton on one of their regional tours, and hearing them play The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. The piccolo starts the fugue and I remember thinking, “That is so cool!” 

Again, the sound immediately captured me. I was fascinated by the sweet little solo at...