During the first week of school holidays, a group of 150 children have come together in the school’s hall for a week of music making and creative collaboration at the South Coast Music Camp, hosted by the Bega Chamber Orchestra.  

Now in it’s ninth year, the camp provides the budding musicians an opportunity to work with professional orchestra members and develop their skills on string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments by breaking into smaller groups for rehearsals 

But the favourite part of the day is when these groups come together for the full ensemble rehearsal.

Camp director Geoffrey Badger said the event gave children the experience playing in a full orchestra. 

“Often these students will practice their instrument at home or in a small group,” he said

“but when they get the chance to play in a full ensemble with all these other musicians, it can really invigorate a passion for music.”

Musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music, Acacia string quartet and Arcadia wind quartet rehearsed with the children and gave them guidance. 

“They are working alongside these professional musicians, getting to know them as people and relating to them and their work,” Mr Badger said.

The ensemble was mostly made up of children from the Bega Valley area, but some children travelled from as far as Dubbo and Sydney to play at the South Coast Music Camp

French horn player Lachlan Everett, has travelled up from Sydney four year in a row to take part in the event.

“I love coming here because it’s always getting better every time,” Lachlan said.

“It’s always really relaxing being down here too, there is a good feeling and vibes here.”

The South Coast Music Camp continues for the rest of the week, and concludes with a final concert at 2:30pm on Friday, September 29, in the Mumbulla School hall. 

A tutors concert will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, September 27, to showcase the talents of the musicians who have offered their expertise to the camp attendees. Entry to this performance by donation.