The 18-year-old saxophonist will be a member of a cast of 100 budding musicians, 1000 dancers and 990 singers in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular next month.

Croft recalls his previous Spectacular, playing in the orchestra as a year 7 student.

"It was an overwhelming experience and the first time I had been in a band on stage. First thing I saw was the people in Rod Laver Arena - there was 20,000 of them. It was huge."

This year's theme is 'Australiana', featuring light numbers such as the themes from Neighbours and Vegemite advertisements to harder offerings from Jimmy Barnes, Hunters and Collectors and Silverchair.

Then there are more folky offerings such as Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport and Home Among the Gumtrees.

Croft is looking forward to playing solos during the Spectacular's Waltzing Matilda-I Still Call Australia Home medley and Boys from the Bush. "It's not an experience you can get anywhere else," he says. "You're in front of thousands who will never get to see you perform otherwise."

The students perform three shows at Vodafone Arena on September 6 and 7. Bookings: Ticketek, 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au