Our 2026 Conductors - stay tuned for further announcements!
Bishop Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Corvaia
Daniel Corvaia is an emerging conductor, violinist and educator. Originally from Western Australia, he holds an Associate Diploma (AmusA) in violin performance and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the UWA Conservatorium of Music. Daniel held the position of Conducting Fellow with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in 2024 and 2025. He is a member of the Australian Conducting Academy, through which he has collaborated with leading orchestras across Australia and New Zealand, including the Tasmanian, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney, West Australian and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras, and the Auckland Philharmonia. Daniel has participated in masterclasses with renowned conductors Benjamin Northey, Asher Fisch, Eivind Aadland, Martyn Brabbins, Giordano Bellincampi, Jen Winley and Otto Tausk.
Daniel was recently appointed as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s CYBEC Assistant Conductor for 2026. In this role, he works closely with Chief Conductor Jaime Martín, Principal Guest Conductor Benjamin Northey and other visiting artists. A committed music educator, Daniel also holds a Master of Teaching degree from the University of Western Australia. As a conductor, he has worked with the WAYouth Orchestras and Melbourne Youth Orchestras.
Jones String Ensemble
Dr Estelita Rae
Estelita is a passionate teacher who aims to inspire and share her enthusiasm for music with students of all ages. She is the Head of Strings and St Leonard’s College and teaches in the classroom, conducts a variety of ensembles, and is the musical director of the middle school musical. She is an alumna of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), New Zealand Youth Orchestra (NYO), and has enjoyed playing at chamber music festivals around the world including Townsville, Germany, New Zealand, and Fredonia in New York.
Estelita received an Endeavour Research Fellowship from the Australian Government to facilitate field research towards her study of early 1900 Italian music and holds a PhD in music performance and a Master of Teaching degree from Monash University, and a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Visual Arts double degree from the Australian National University.
Scott String Ensemble
Thomson String Ensemble
Our Orchestras
Bishop Symphony Orchestra
Bishop String Ensemble is named in honour of John Bishop OBE. Originally from Melbourne before taking up an appointment at the University of Adelaide, John was one of the founding members of the music camp movement in Australia in 1947. Travel to the USA, Europe and Great Britain instilled a burning ambition to instigate the formation of musical camps in Australia.
- Type: Symphony Orchestra for strings, woodwind, brass and percussion
- Standard: AMEB Grade 7+ or equivalent
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Jones String Ensemble
- Type: String Ensemble
- Standard: AMEB Grade 5-6 or equivalent
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Scott String Ensemble
Professor Bill Scott was a loyal supporter of the State Music Camp Association for a number of years as Chairman of the Committee. As a violinist he had a particular interest in developing the junior string ensembles involved in the camp.
- Type: String Ensemble
- Standard: AMEB Grade 3-4 or equivalent
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Thomson String Ensemble
Originally named after Dr. Percy Jones OBE, this ensemble was re-named in 2007 in honour of Mrs Leonie Thomson who was a member of the committee of the State Music Camp for forty years. Leonie has since moved to Queensland and follows the activities of the camp with a keen interest.
- Type: Training String Ensemble
- Standard: AMEB Preliminary – 2 or equivalent. Ability to read music is essential for this ensemble.
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Johnston String Ensemble
Johnston String Ensemble is named in memory of Jenny Johnston who was prominent in organising state and national music camps. This ensemble runs during the North Camp.
- Type: Training String Ensemble
- Standard: AMEB Preliminary – Gr 3 or equivalent. Ability to read music is essential for this ensemble.
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Britton String Ensemble
Named in honour of Donald Britton, Master of Music at Melbourne Grammar School. This ensemble runs during the North Camp.
- Type: String Ensemble
- Standard: AMEB Grade 4+
- Rehearsal: 9:00am – 1:00pm