When Down Under Came To Beck

On Thursday 1st December Archbishop Beck Catholic College played host to a performance by the Camberwell High School wind ensemble. They presented a joint concert at the college. Camberwell High School is a co-educational state school situated in the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Of the 1200 students nearly a quarter currently participate in the school¹s music program. As well as having an active class music program from years 7 to 12, the school has four concert bands, three stage bands, three string ensembles and a choir. Music is well regarded and valued highly by the school community, and is a well recognised part of the educational opportunities available at CHS. There are currently many ex-students who have either completed or are currently enrolled in tertiary music studies. CHS is becoming increasingly recognised in the wider community as an excellent school for music, with the strength of the music program being a strong consideration for many parents choosing CHS for their children. This is evident in this year¹s record year 7 music intake. 110 year 7 students ­ over half the year level ­ have chosen to undertake instrumental music studies this year at CHS. The Wind Ensemble Consists of players from year 9 to year 12 and caters for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists to refine their ensemble playing techniques at a higher level. The ensemble performs at the Melbourne Schools Band Festival every year and also regularly tours interstate and overseas. In 2004 the students toured to the United States where they performed at the prestigious Mid West Clinic promoting Australian repertoire. They also toured Canada in 2007 and will be touring Europe in November 2011. Director of Music describe this “as a unique opportunity for our young people to enjoy the company of musicians form down under”.