IMP Update
IMP Music Camp is a huge success
The 2025 IMP camp, held from 21-23 March, was a huge success with 186 participants and 22 amazing conducting and tutoring staff. Students spent the weekend immersed in music, in the beautiful natural setting of CRU Galston Gorge, culminating in a spectacular final concert featuring diverse range of music from Romantic, Modern Classical and Jazz through to Taiko drumming and the Beatles. Rather than being a rehearsal camp for our regular ensemble, at IMP Camp we form 16 entirely new ensembles for the weekend, in which the focus is on skill-building through the repertoire we play. The development of all of the students in such a short space of time was phenomenal to see!
A huge thanks to the conductors, tutors, Fort Street High School Staff and volunteers who made this weekend possible.
1. Orchestra A
2. Taiko Drumming
3. Double Reed Ensemble
4. Camp Item
5. Brass Ensemble
Fort Street Students accepted to the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program
Clara and Rose Moloney have been accepted into the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program, an intensive, week-long residential program to be held during the April school holidays. Clara and Rose will spend a week in Canberra working with some of Australia’s finest orchestral musicians of high school age, with attend tutorials and workshops led by some of Australia’s leading professional musicians, culminating in a dazzling public concert.
Upcoming Musical Opportunities
There are some exciting, upcoming musical opportunities on offer including Junior and Senior State Music Camps, Sydney Southeast Symphonic Winds, Strike a Chord 2025, and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Brass Day. Fort Street has always had a strong representation in these ensembles and camps, and they offer wonderful opportunities for our musicians to expand their breath of repertoire and performance experience.
1. State Music Camp – Applications now open (closing Fri 9 May)
Applications for both junior and senior state music camps are now open.
When are they?
Senior State Music Camp – 29 June to 4 July (Term 2 Week 10)
Junior State Music Camp (Years 5 to 8) – 20 July to 25 July (Term 3 Week 1)
Who can apply?
Senior State Music Camp: Students in years 8 to 12
Junior State Music Camp: Students in years 5 to 8
For more information: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/junior-and-senior-state-music-camps
2. Sydney Southeast Symphonic Winds – Applications now open
For more information, visit: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-program/sydney-southeast-symphonic-winds.
3. Strike A Chord 2025
Strike A Chord program inspires young musicians across Australia with opportunities to perform, collaborate, and refine their skills in chamber music. With sections for beginner through to advanced groups, the competition helps students develop their ensemble skills, gain performance experience, and challenge themselves musically. Fort Street has a history of
Competition sections include
- Foundation Section (Free to Enter): For early-stage groups (AMEB Grade 4 & under), offering a chance to play together, submit a video entry, and receive feedback.
- Championship Section: For advanced groups (AMEB Grade 5+), with the top 12 groups (from at least 6 states/territories) performing at the National Final in Melbourne.
Key Dates:
- 21 Mar – Coaching Program applications close
- 1 May – Foundation and Championship Section entries open
- 29 May – Foundation and Championship Section entries close
- 20 Jun – Championship Section Finalists and First Round winners, and Foundation Section winners announced
- 30 Aug – Championship Section National Final at Melbourne Recital Centre
For more information: https://musicaviva.com.au/strike-a-chord/
4. SCM Brass Day 2025
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Brass Day 2025, to be held on the 12th of April, is an opportunity for students, community musicians, and teachers to come together and celebrate all things Brass!
This is a FREE event for students to hear performances from staff and students, partake in warm-up classes, masterclasses, and see a performance with the Royal Australian Navy Band with solos from some of the Sydney Conservatorium’s Brass staff.
NOTE: This is an open event for anyone who loves brass playing and brass music – you don’t’ have to be considering studying at the con to attend!
Date: Saturday 12 April 9:30am onwards
Cost: Free (online registration required)
To register: https://bit.ly/scm-brassday25
EOI to participate in one of the masterclasses: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaWf8IjLHidtZvo