State Music Camp

SMC Camp

SMC Camp Information

July 1-5 2024 at Caulfield Grammar School (Caulfield Campus)

Audition Day: Sunday 26 May 2024

Camberwell Grammar School

Auditions are usually scheduled for a Sunday in late May. The camp provides students with an opportunity to play in one of four different ensembles.

Bishop Symphony Orchestra

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 3.00pm    
AMEB 7+

Bishop is the senior symphony orchestra. This year the musicians will study works from the orchestral repertoire under the guidance of esteemed conductor, Alexander Rodrigues.

Jones String Ensemble

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 3.00pm    
AMEB 5 & 6

Jones is the intermediate ensemble and is ideal for students seeking to widen their musical experience and advance their musicianship.

Scott String Ensemble

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 12.30pm    
AMEB Grades 3 & 4

The Scott String Ensemble is suitable for players at AMEB Grade 3-4.

Thomson String Ensemble

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 12.30pm    
Preliminary to AMEB Grade 2+

Thomson is a training ensemble suitable for students in the AMEB Preliminary to Grade 2 range. 

Concert and other information

On the last day of camp week each ensemble plays in a Showcase Concert. Concert tickets are free and bookings are not required. Families are invited to bring their friends and relatives.

At the July State Music Camp there are two showcase concerts: 4.30pm for the two junior ensembles and 6.00pm for the two senior ensembles. 

The purpose of these camps is to provide students with an unrivalled opportunity to learn the delights and intricacies of performing a wide variety of music. Those attending this camp work with some of Australia’s finest conductors and tutors to explore and develop their talents whilst learning the art of ensemble music making. The conductors chosen for each ensemble have specialised knowledge and expertise. Their interests and proven track record as music educators ensures the camp is always an inspiring experience. 

Entry to State Music Camp is by audition. Auditions are held about six weeks prior to each camp. The Camp is open to any student from any school.

SMC Camp Event Information

CAMP LOCATION

Caulfield Grammar School (Caulfield campus)

217 Glen Eira Road, St Kilda East VIC, 3183

CAMP DATES

July 1-5 2024

CONCERT
First Friday of July, from 4.30pm
(Junior ensembles from 4.30pm, Senior from 6.00pm).
CONCERT VENUE

Caulfield Grammar School (Caulfield campus)

217 Glen Eira Road, St Kilda East VIC, 3183

Enrolment & Auditions

Enrolment

Please refer to the FAQ page for more information.

Auditions

Auditioning for all ensembles simply ensures that all musicians are placed in ensembles that are appropriate for their age and ability. The State Music Camp employs professional musicians when assessing musicians in the auditioning process.

All students wishing to attend State Music Camp must audition on this date. Students from rural, interstate or overseas may submit a recorded audition.

Audition Venue

Camberwell Grammar School

55 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury, Vic 3126

Audition Requirements
  • Perform two contrasting pieces for Thomson, Scott and Jones (An accompanist is not required.)
  • Sight reading as requested by the auditioners.
  • Those auditioning for Bishop only will be required to prepare orchestral excerpt(s) and one choice piece.
  • Audition time will be allocated & emailed to you

Placement of students is at the sole discretion of the State Music Camp Committee.

SMC Camp 2024

State Music Camp hosts an annual five-day camp for music students that culminates in a Friday evening showcase concert. The camp is famous for its emphasis on orchestral music and the high standard and quality of tuition.

SMC Camp Fees

Bishop Symphony Orchestra

9:00am-3:00pm = $600

Scott orchestra
Jones String Ensemble

9:00am-3:00pm = $600

Jones orchestra
Scott String Ensemble

9:00am-12.30pm = $475

Bishop orchestra
Thomson String Ensemble

9:00am-12.30pm = $475

Fee Conditions
  • FULL PAYMENT must be received prior to audition.
  • A full refund of fees will be made if applicants withdraw BEFORE the audition day.
  • Those who attend the audition and are not accepted are refunded the sum paid less $40 administration fee.
  • Those who attend the audition and are accepted, but offered a different ensemble than what they enrolled & audition for (due to lower standard than what is deemed required by the audition panel); but choose not to accept this offer will not receive a refund. 
  • A family discount is not available in 2024.
  • Applicants who send the full fee but accept selection into a higher/lower string ensemble will have to asked to top up or receive the appropriate refund.
  • Fees include all tuition, a souvenir camp t-shirt, link to a concert recording and an ensemble photo.
  • Attendance at the Friday dress rehearsal and concert is compulsory.
  • A full refund of fees minus a $40 administration fee will be made if the camp is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (eg: COVID-19)
Payment

Only students who have paid the appropriate fee can attend the camp.

SMC Camp

JULY 1-5 2024

This is hosted during the term 2 school holidays each year. Auditions are scheduled for a Sunday in late May. The camp provides students with an opportunity to play in one of four different ensembles: Bishop Orchestra, Jones String Ensemble, Scott String Ensemble and Thomson String Ensemble.

SMC North Camp

SEPTEMBER 23-27 2024

Auditions are scheduled for a Sunday in late August. Our camp in Melbourne’s northern suburbs returns this year.  The camp provides students with the opportunity to play in one of two string ensembles: Johnston String Ensemble and Britton String Ensemble.