Performing Arts - Music
2026 Music Camp - Mt Evelyn
Last Thursday to Saturday (23rd- 25th July) 97 students, 9 music teachers, and 5 lovely pre service teachers all went on an adventure to MGSC’s annual music camp at Camp Oasis Music camp is for anyone in the music program from Years 8-12. Over the three days all of the students learned lots of new things (and ate a lot of amazing food).
We began by working on our massed item that would be the finale to the camp concert on Saturday, Golden from K Pop Demon Hunters, which you will hear after this. We also worked on our Spring Concert finale Gimme Gimme Gimme by ABBA, as the Spring Concert is approaching on September 8 at the Kingston Arts Centre.
This camp isn't like a regular camp, yes we do activities like the giant swing, flying fox, but there are also cooler activities like a reptile room, candle making and laser tag. Along with doing these activities during the day, we also participate in music ensembles; learning a whole new piece of music for camp, or building on a previously learned one. There were many ensembles going on at one time; year 8 band, strings, vocal, symphonic band, stage band, combined rock/funk guitar ensemble and the Hadestown band. During the latter's rehearsal time we also broke off into student lead groups- where people could form ensembles with their friends and play music together. During this time, the other Year 12s and I formed a little band together and performed at the camp talent show.
On Thursday night night, the Year 12s hosted the annual music camp games night. The rest of the students were sorted into four teams named after some of the music teachers. We put together five games for them to play including teacher trivia and guess the song. On Friday night we had our talent show where many of the attendees put together acts to perform to try and win prizes, the students, teachers, and pre service teachers all had acts for the show.
On camp, as well as playing music, we also got a lesson on Punjabi drumming and dancing by Kate Tempany, it was a really enriching experience for everyone to get to participate in. She taught us a dance and in a later session some drum rhythms that we got to play.
During the camp, traditionally, the Year 12s make a camp video. It is a music video to a song of their choosing and they document camp over the three days and play it for everyone to see at the end. I filmed the video this year and we chose the song Copacabana, bringing props for the teachers to play the characters.
Music camp is one of the things that I most look forward to during the school year and I am devastated to be finished with it. I have gone to camp every single year, even year 7 when they were allowed, but that year we got sent home due to covid, other than that all of the years have been so so fun and I’ve made so many great memories, and eaten so much delicious food.
Thanks to all the teachers who made this camp happen. I truly could not recommend this camp more, and everyone who has the opportunity to go on camp should. And I cannot stress this enough; the food is SO GOOD.
Tara Haigh
Yearr 12 Music Student - Voice
Open Soiree
I was fortunate enough to attend and perform at the Open Soirée on 24 June. It was an amazing experience and a fantastic opportunity for students to perform, building their confidence while playing in small groups, duets, or as soloists.
The event featured a wide variety of performances, showcasing different instruments and students at all stages of their musical learning. I especially loved how everyone supported one another, whether by applauding after each performance, wishing performers good luck beforehand, or congratulating them afterwards.
The atmosphere was welcoming and encouraging, and it was clear that everyone embraced the motto, “MGSC students support MGSC students,” which our current school leaders have been working hard to promote throughout the school community.
I wanted to thank all the teachers who organized the event and have helped our students learn their pieces to perfection, and also all the students for doing an amazing job at their performances.
Mya Durakovic, Year 10 Music Student - Saxophone/Voice
Spring Concert
Tuesday 8 September at the Kingston Arts Centre
The annual Music Concert showcases the entire Music program with all music students involved sharing what they have been learning through their ensembles. Rock bands, Concert Bands, Stage band, String Orchestras choirs and more. It is important that we have all members of the ensembles together for performances. Many hours of rehearsals go into preparing students to be able to play their best together as a team. Details regarding ticketing will be released soon. This concert sells our very quickly each year.
Wendy Harvey
Director of Performing Arts