Music Matters

Music Camp 2024

Earlier this term, our Instrumental Music students attended the annual Music Camp from the 20th - 22nd of May. The music camp is a dedicated opportunity to prepare for the Winter Music Concert. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all of the staff and students who made this Camp a fabulous success.

It was a great pleasure to take 100 students from years 7 to 12 away to Camp Oasis in Mt Evelyn. On the three-day camp students participated in ensemble rehearsals, sectionals and a range of non-musical activities which gave students the opportunity to get to know each other better and build social connections. Staff and students worked hard during the rehearsals and it was fabulous seeing students take on the responsibility of running a number of the sectionals and mentoring younger students and assisting them to build their music skills. Students were fabulous role models for each other.

Over the two days students had the opportunity to take part in three different activities, some which took them out of their comfort zones, choosing from Giant Swing, Reptile House, Flying Fox, Archery, Climbing Wall, High Ropes, Candle Making and Team Challenge.

Thank you to the students who performed in the very eclectic Talent Show that we held on the Tuesday night along with our fabulous comperes Ella and Abbey.

On the final morning each of the ensembles held a final rehearsal and then we finished the camp with a concert showcasing all of the ensembles. It was fabulous to see the enormous progress that each of the groups Soundworks, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Combined Stage Band, Stringworks and String Orchestra had made over the three days of the camp.

Thank you to the fabulous music staff Nick Dean, Hannah Walters, David Rowlands, Andy O’Connell, Josh Verco, Ben Muddyman and Basil Byrne who took time out to attend the camp and direct the ensembles. A huge thank you also to Ava and Bec from the wellbeing team for their fabulous work and support on the camp working with students during a variety of activities. I would also like to thank the Oasis Camp staff for another great camp and fabulous camp meals.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the students on the fabulous way that they approached the camp, rehearsals and all activities. For some of them it was their first very camp and they embraced the opportunity to be part of it. They worked well as a team, always happy to assist with set-up, pack up and clean up. 

Wendy Howes

Significant Events Coordinator, Social Connections coordinator - The Arts, VCE Music

Winter Music Concert

The Winter Concert has been an exhilarating event to be a part of, and it was such a joy to perform alongside my peers in Wind Symphony and Senior Jazz. Every year, I feel honoured to be able to perform with my talented band mates.  Considering the amount of effort it takes to organise such a large cohort of young musicians and get them to performing standard, I genuinely have no idea how the Instrumental Music staff do it! 

This year in particular, playing 'Ruby's Arms' was heaps of fun, being a nice change of pace compared to the repertoire from last year and it showcased the talent and skill of the piece's soloist, Abbey Mac. What makes the concerts such a valuable experience is all the hard work everyone has put in to support the band as a whole, it's truly a community that has been a vital part of my growth as an individual, musician and student. 

- Charlotte K. of 12G

Reflection on the DSC Music Program

My experience with the music program has been very positive. I began playing two instruments in year 7 (guitar and clarinet) and have stayed with them up till now. My experience with working in different ensembles (guitar ensemble and wind symphony) was very good, being able to do music in fact helped me with my studies and gave me a break when I didn’t know needed it. My experience in being in two ensembles was very enjoyable I did not feel that they clashed or were difficult to manage and I learn lots from each group. I even did junior jazz band, which was a lot of fun, however I had to stop due to having too much else going on. 

 

My favourite part of being involved in the music department is music camp, lots of new friendships are made and my technique is also improved. We also play during school events such as year 7 orientation day and open night. The concerts are a highlight of the year as they are well executed and showcase the hard work we have been doing all year. 

 

The music program has definitely been a highlight and unforgettable part of my high-school experience so far. 

- Alexandra B. of 9B