Co-curricular

Music Camp 2024 – A Report from the Performing Arts Captain

Over the weekend, from 2- 4 February, the boys of the combined College Orchestra, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band headed off to spend the weekend at the Galston Gorge Camp and Conference Centre CRU for the school’s annual Music Camp. Upon arrival the boys immediately settled into their cabins and prepared for a weekend full of rehearsals, workshops, entertainment and overall fun. We officially started the camp with a short rehearsal with Dr Taylor before free time and then later lights out. In the morning, the boys crawled out of bed to breakfast soon to welcome back Band Director, Mr Craig McGown, who would continue to work with the symphonic band and concert band over the weekend, and conductors Mr Alex Pringle and Mr Peter Ellis who would work with the College Orchestra over the weekend. 

Over the course of the weekend, the boys took part in a Samba and Djembe workshop led by Mr Tom Harding and a Jazz workshop led by Mr Keegan, the school's brass tutor. Together, the combined orchestra and bands worked immaculately around the clock to put together a performance for the Sunday afternoon to come which was attended by all parents and guests in the centre's gymnasium. Overall, the experience was extremely beneficial, and I can assure you that the camp will remain a memory for the boys who attended for years to come. 

I would like to thank all the tutors, Dr Taylor, Ms Duff and Mr Freere for accompanying the boys on the camp and taking the time out of their weekend to assist and join in.       

Henry O'Reilly | Performing Arts Captain