Schoolgirl holds orchestra in her hands

DON SCOTT/The Press

IN CHARGE: Amy Lee, 13, takes the baton to conduct the orchestra at the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival in the Town Hall last night.

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At the age of 13, Amy Lee has an orchestra at her fingertips.

The Christchurch girl took the baton to conduct the orchestra at the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival in the Town Hall last night.

She made her conducting debut at the festival on Tuesday night, taking charge of a High School Musical medley, and said her initial nerves disappeared once she got on stage.

"You have to be confident with what you do and give them clear beats," she said. "I just tried to enjoy it on stage."

Amy borrowed a baton from conductor Patrick Shepherd and practised her tempo changes in front of the mirror. Shepherd presented her with a baton of her own for Tuesday's debut.

Amy moved to New Zealand from South Korea with her parents and brother six years ago, knowing only basic English.

The now-fluent teenager has also flourished in her academic and musical studies, playing the piano and violin. She is unsure about whether to pursue a career in music. "Maybe a doctor; that sort of stuff."

The six-night festival has involved 122 primary and intermediate schools. The final performance will be tonight.