State Music Camp
State Music Camp hosts two five-day camps each year.
The first camp has four ensembles and is held in the term 2 school holidays.
The State Music Camp NORTH is held in the northern suburbs and offers two string ensembles. This is held during the term 3 school holiday period.
The camp is highly regarded for its emphasis on orchestral music and music education. The camp is also well known for the high standard and quality of the conductors, tutors, staff and managers who are involved in running the camp.
The State Music Camp of Victoria has hosted a music camp each year since 1962.
Volunteers who are passionate about orchestral music govern and manage the State Music Camp. SMC does not receive any grants or government assistance. The camp fee covers all the running costs.
In 2017, State Music Camp endowed an annual award at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne. This award is given to an aspiring young conductor enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.
OfficIal name and status
State Music Camp Victoria Inc (1995)
ABN 94627526784
20 Olive Street East Malvern VIC 3145
Why we exist
Vision
To promote outstanding orchestral experiences for young musicians that will last a lifetime.
Mission
To host an annual camp that provides a challenging orchestral music experience that is engaging, inspirational and enriching for players and conductors.
Why we exist to:
- Host annual camps for young orchestral musicians, that have a focus on musical education
- Provide a unique opportunity for students to interact with leading professional musicians
- Offer respect to all musicians irrespective of age and experience
- Maintain the highest standards relating to orchestral, rehearsal, concert techniques and appropriate etiquette
- Preserve and champion the rich history of orchestral music
Many past campers return each year to work alongside their friends and learn from expert tutors and conductors. The camp has a young and exciting feel and is operated in an atmosphere that is positive and engaging.
Past campers can be found in orchestras throughout Australia and overseas and many return to the camp as parents.
Our Patron
MR BENJAMIN NORTHEY
Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of Learning and Engagement of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
History
John Bishop, Dr Percy Jones and American music educator Ruth Alexander, met at Scotch College (Melbourne) in 1943. Over the next few years Ruth inspired John with her descriptions of American summer music camps. Subsequently, John Bishop travelled to the USA, Europe and Great Britain and brought back a resolve to establish a music camp for young Australian musicians.
In 1947 general interest in music camps grew and the first Australian music camp was held at Point Lonsdale, Victoria, in the summer of 1948 under the auspices of the National Fitness Council and the Victorian School Music Association.
The success of this summertime venture encouraged Bishop, Jones and Alexander to pursue their ambition of establishing music camps for young musicians.
John and Ruth formed the Australian Youth Orchestra in March 1957. Growing interest in music and the friction of distance encouraged the establishment of music camps on a State basis and the first State Music Camp (Victoria) was held in 1962.
The camp was originally scheduled in the May school holidays, when the school year had three terms. The current camp was re-positioned to mid year when the four term year was introduced.
The two symphony orchestras of the National Music Camp and the State Music Camps in Melbourne and Adelaide, are traditionally named after John Bishop and Ruth Alexander in recognition of their popularity, vision, leadership and commitment to orchestral music for young Australians.
Bishop Orchestra
Named in memory of one of our founders John Bishop.
Jones String Ensemble
Named in memory of one of Australia’s early pioneers in youth camps, Dr Percy Jones OBE.
Scott String Ensemble
Named after John Scott, an enthusiast in Victorian classical music education.
Thomson String Ensemble
Named after Leonie Thomson who was the Secretary of State Music Camp for more than 30 years.
Johnston String Ensemble
Johnston string ensemble named in memory of Jenny Johnston who was prominent in organising state and national music camps.
Alexander String Ensemble
Named in honour of Ruth Alexander who was a pioneering music educator.
