2023 | ISSUE 13 | SJC Newsletter

Band Tour

August 16 – 18 saw the SJC senior and stage band headed off on our first band tour since 2016. Philip Island was the destination for this year’s rehearsal camp and tour. We headed to our accommodation in Newhaven, to begin our rehearsals which would prepare the ensembles for upcoming Victorian School’s Music Festival and SJC Live events in the coming weeks.

After our senior band had worked through a solid rehearsal on the first afternoon, we headed out to the famous penguin parade to see the little penguins make their way in to shore. No matter how many times you witness this event, it’s still quite incredible watching these tiny little creatures navigate the waves to make their way onto shore to feed their families with the days catch.

On Thursday, the bands headed off to Leongatha Primary school, to an audience of over 400 excited young students. It was wonderful to see how much the students enjoyed the performance, with some having the opportunity to assist Mr Collinson with conducting the senior band. Colby McCallum wowed the crowd with his rendition of “My Shot” from Hamilton, which was a concert highlight.

In the afternoon, we headed back to Newhaven to participate in combined band workshops with the students and staff of Newhaven College. SJC students worked with the Newhaven College Orchestra, intermediate band and stage band to produce an afternoon performance for staff and parents of the college.

It was a wonderful opportunity for students to collaborate with other young musicians and hone their performance skills for upcoming events.

We finished the day with the inaugural band tour trivia night, which starred Mrs Young and Miss Hepworth in some of their best work yet, with our year 12 students taking home the virtual trophy and some movie tickets.

Heading home on Friday, after a morning rehearsal and a quick stop to visit The Knobbies, in the freezing cold and rain, our young musicians were tired but happy and definitely much improved in their performance skills.

A big thanks to Mr Collinson, Miss Hepwoth, Mr O’ Callaghan for their work with the students whilst on camp, and to Laura Martin for her work in preparation for the camp.

Amy Young
Director of Music