Scotch College

Musicians Imprisoned

A rude awakening - trumpet blasts from somewhere in the depths of the gaol, clanging doors, the anguish of a distant saxophone in practice, and finally the skirl of bagpipes resonating through the bluestone corridors and finding nerve endings deep in your brain. It must be Choir Camp. The old Castlemaine Gaol was decommissioned as a prison in 1991 after failing to meet the international minimum standards for prisons which the Australian Government (under Hawke) became a signatory to. It seemed, therefore, an ideal place to send the choir!

It doesn't seem long ago that the choir would easily fit on one coach, but now the choir requires three coaches, and the annual Choir Camp has developed traditions to rival those of its older cousin, Music Camp (held in August). In fact the choir is divided into two main groups, the Chamber Choir and the Full Choir, and there are a number of smaller vocal ensembles.

The music school now employs two singing teachers, such is the demand for individual lessons. The status of the choir within the School has soared. Indeed, Captain of Music, Edward Tudor, once a reluctant chorister, only singing in choir 'out of the goodness of his mother's heart', gave an inspiring welcome speech to the camp, quoting the Principal as being 'absolutely stoked by the heights to which the choir had ascended' (Edward assures us that this is a direct quote).

Andrew Hunter, our skilled and enthusiastic choral director, led a substantial team of conductors and vocal coaches in a weekend of highly focused work, including a most impressive breadth of material. It wasn't all hard work, and the Captain of Choir, David Heaton, along with Hugh Gurney and Edward Tudor, organised some remarkable (and bizarre) entertainment (including the occasional use of a Fez and a 9 iron which Edward seemed strangely reluctant to part from). Extra staff included Andrew Moffatt and Nicholas Chong (both of the class of 2002) who returned to assist and take sectional rehearsals. Could this be the beginning of 'Generations in Choirs'?

Generation in Jazz

Perhaps a rather clumsy segue into Monday Big Band's sojourn the following weekend to Mount Gambier for the Generations in Jazz festival. As coach driver for this annual pilgrimage in the name of Jazz, I always look forward to this wonderful event - spending some time talking to other musicians, and also catching up with some of the fraternity of the road (coach drivers!).

This year, the Monday Big Band, under the excellent direction of Megan Philip, competed in the intermediate section and received an excellent report from the great jazz guru, Graeme Lyall.

The weekend is not all competition. More important is the chance to listen to other top bands - some of which are astonishing, and to listen to other styles of jazz. James Morrison, who, together with his brother John, directs the annual event, continues to inspire staff and students alike.

There is a constant quest to improve the weekend each year, and to expose young musicians to excellence and diversity. There are awards for individuals (as well as ensembles), and scholarships for outstanding developing musicians. It is a truly unique event, well worth being a part of.

John Ferguson Coach Driver (and Director of Music).