Applications for the 2025 July Music Camp open March 2025
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:
-
Excerpts provided by SMC - available via the instrument links below
-
Own choice piece, 1 to 2 minutes in length (no accompanist)
-
Scales: One major and one minor scale to reflect personal level of playing
-
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.
WOODWIND
STRINGS
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.