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Music Camp Information

SA Music Camp is COVID-safe. All associated events operate under SA Health guidelines. 

2024 Camp Dates: Monday 8 - Friday 12 July
Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide

Entry to State Music Camp is by audition.

Applications closing date: extended to Sunday April 14

2024 Audition Dates

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May: Metropolitan applicants attend live auditions at the University of Adelaide

Friday 17 May: Rural applicants' recorded auditions due

Vision

Music Camp is not about where you sit, or even which ensemble you play in, it is about what you contribute as part of the team and sharing a passion for music-making with other like-minded individuals.

Camp Timetable & Fees

Approximately 275 students and 50 staff attend the SA State Music Camp each year.

 

Important Daily Rehearsal Information

All students receive their music on the Monday morning and perform on the Friday night!

Daily routine includes a mixture of tutorials with specialist tutors, and rehearsals with leading conductors.

Timetable

Monday - Thursday, 8.30am - 3.30pm:    Tutorials, workshops and rehearsals.

Friday: All ensembles attend the morning only for a sound check in the performance venue.

Students are dismissed after their sound check and return for the evening concert.

Application Information & Process

This section contains a variety of important and valuable information. We encourage you to read it through prior to selecting the Online Application Form link at the bottom of the page.

The South Australian State Music Camp is a highly successful event which often attracts more applicants than there are positions in some instrument groups. We also need to maintain instrumental balance within the five ensembles therefore it is important that applicants prepare for the audition process thoroughly and that careful consideration is given to completing the application form.

Please be assured that the audition panel observe the preferences indicated in your application form and placements are made fairly based on the cohort of applicants.

Please observe approximate standard requirements and instrumentation guidelines below. 

How to Prepare for Your Audition

Step 1.  Read the information relevant to your instrument group.

Step 2.  Consider which ensembles might be an appropriate level for you - age and playing level.

Step 3.  Read through the audition requirements.

Step 1: Read what you need to know for your instrument group

WOODWIND

Applicants may indicate a preference for the orchestras OR the wind bands, OR may wish to be considered for all groups. Preferences will be adhered to if accepted from the audition process. 

STRINGS

Applicants may select:

- Marcus (entry level)  OR

- Marcus/Alexander (entry/intermediate) OR

- Alexander/Bishop (intermediate/advanced)

Students are placed into one of the three orchestras according to the results of the audition process. Returning students find they will progress through the orchestras.

BRASS

Applicants may indicate a preference for the orchestras OR the wind bands, OR may wish to be considered for all groups. Preferences will be adhered to if accepted from the audition process. 

PERCUSSION

Players may be rostered between ensembles depending on numbers. Each player is given the opportunity to play a variety of instruments at Camp.

Step 2: Consider the most appropriate ensemble level to prepare for

BISHOP ORCHESTRA

Age range approx. 13-23 yrs. Approx. Grade 6+ AMEB or equivalent.

 

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Wind: Piccolo/Flute, Bb/A/Alto/Bass Clarinets, Oboe /Cor Anglais, Bassoon/Contra

Brass: Trumpet/Cornet, Horn, Tenor/Bass Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Drum kit, Timpani, tuned/untuned/miscellaneous instruments

ALEXANDER ORCHESTRA

Age range approx. 12-16 yrs. Approx. Grade 4-6 AMEB or equivalent.

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Wind: Piccolo/Flute, Bb/A/Alto/Bass Clarinets, Oboe /Cor Anglais, Bassoon/Contra

Brass: Trumpet/Cornet, Horn, Tenor/Bass Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Drum kit, Timpani, tuned/untuned/miscellaneous instruments

MARCUS STRING ORCHESTRA

Age range approx. 9-14 yrs. Approx. Grade 3-4 AMEB or equivalent.

Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

SHEPHARD CONCERT BAND

Age range approx. 13-23 yrs. Approx. Grade 5+ AMEB or equivalent. 

Wind: Piccolo/Flute, Bb/A/Alto/Bass Clarinets, Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophones, Oboe /Cor Anglais, Bassoon/Contra

Brass: Trumpet/Cornet, Horn, Tenor/Bass Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Drum kit, Timpani, tuned/untuned/miscellaneous instruments

STIMSON WIND ENSEMBLE

Age range approx. 9-14 yrs. Approx. Grade 2-4 AMEB or equivalent.

 

Wind: Piccolo/Flute, Bb/A/Alto/Bass Clarinets, Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophones, Oboe /Cor Anglais, Bassoon/Contra

Brass: Trumpet/Cornet, Horn, Tenor/Bass Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Drum kit, Timpani, tuned/untuned/miscellaneous instruments

Step 3: Know what to prepare for your instrument group

Audition Requirements

Metropolitan applicants must attend an audition in person at the University of Adelaide in the Schulz Building, Kintore Avenue and are able to select preferences for Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 May.

 

Percussion applicants Sunday 19 May, 9.30am -1.00pm.

Rural applicants must submit an audio-visual (not just audio) recording either in digital format or by posting a USB to the Camp Administrator by Friday 17 May. 

All applicants prepare the following:
  1. Excerpts provided by SMC - available via the instrument links below

  2. Own choice piece, 1 to 2 minutes in length (no accompanist)

  3. Scales: One major and one minor scale to reflect personal level of playing 

  4. Sight–reading (Metro players only)

NB. Rural applicants will not be disadvantaged for the inability to complete the sight–reading component of the audition.

**PERCUSSION**

NB. Percussion Auditions are only held on Sunday 19 May

Instruments required to be played at the audition: timpani x 3, tuned mallet instruments (your choice of vibes/xylophone/glockenspiel), concert snare drum. Drum kit may be played as your solo piece. 

You will be required to play a short excerpt on each of these instruments for your audition.

Excerpts
Audition excerpt links will be active at the start of Term 2.
Applicants access excerpts by selecting their instrument below.
Playing the Timpani

PERCUSSION

Percussion

Applicants prepare a selection of excerpts including snare drum solo, mallet instrument & timpani

All applicants are notified of the outcome of their audition by end May.

Specific chair placement is not included in the letter of acceptance.

Students are advised chair placement on the first day at Camp.

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