03 Jul 2019
Monday 24 June to Wednesday 26 June, students from years 7-12 journeyed to Elanora Uniting Venues for our annual Music Camp. Everyone arrived at school bright and early on Monday morning to board the buses and our wonderful stage crew packed the truck with all of the musical equipment we would need for the camp. We had three days of intensive rehearsals, instrument sectionals and playing music in preparation for our Music Night on Friday 28 June. We also had a variety of activities over the duration of the camp when we didn't have rehearsals, which were all loads of fun.
The rain may have prevented us from outside activities on Monday, however the weather was far from miserable. Located in the bush, the rain made everyone snuggle inside for rehearsals and we all took advantage of the complimentary tea provided by the camp staff. On Monday evening, we had trivia with Mr Turner! Turner's trivia is always a highlight of music camp, and we always learn a lot of fun facts we didn't know before.
On Tuesday, the weather cleared up and some ensembles took this opportunity to rehearse overlooking the valley. Some of the students enjoyed the "Amazing Race" activities the camp staff had planned for us when they weren't rehearsing. Others bonded with each other by playing board and card games and making friends with people in different grades. Even when rehearsals were on break for meals, the music kept playing. There was always someone on the piano and everyone would sing along as we ate.
On Tuesday evening, we all enjoyed the annual music camp talent quest, where students could perform in front of a supportive audience and show off their skills in activities other than music. Emma (year 12) won first place singing 'Wicked Game', closely followed by Charlotte and Jeremy and Arthur who came in second and third place. The people's choice award went to Eric; Mr Laurendet's decibel reader measured his incredible yoyo performance got the loudest applause. There were a variety of other serious and less serious performances which everyone enjoyed, even our teachers got involved! Ms Morrison, Ms Stephens and Ms Tait performed an incredible rendition of "Shallow" from A Star is Born and Mr Bell showed off his newly learnt piano skills with Ms Stephens. Year 12 performed their own arrangement of "Someone in the Crowd" from La La Land, and everyone finished off the night with a disco, dancing to the nutbush wearing silly hats.
Wednesday morning was once again filled with rehearsals, but after lunch we began to attack the mammoth task of repacking the truck. Another successful music camp was over as we boarded the bus and headed back to school. Everyone was exhausted from a huge three days and many people fell asleep on the way home. Everyone had a lot of fun, made so many memories and can't wait for next year!
Thursday and Friday were busy with sound checks and we finished off the week with a fantastic music night. Facing an audience bigger than ever before, everyone demonstrated how much they had improved throughout the week and it truly was a night of musical excellence. Each ensemble truly put on their best performances, ending spectacularly with a combined performance of 'The Hallelujah Chorus' by orchestra and all our choirs, including students from years 7-12.
We would like to thank all the Caringbah High staff who came on music camp with us and helped music night run smoothly. Thanks again stage crew and tech crew, all of our fantastic tutors and conductors, the music support group and everyone else involved. Lastly, a big thank you to Ms Morrison, Ms Tait and the Music Staff for a successful night and helping us showcase all of the musical talent we have at our school.
Music Captains Emma and Zoe