Australian Youth Orchestra – National Music Camp

National Music Camp has been a cornerstone of Australia’s youth music education since its inception in 1948 at Point Lonsdale. From music educators, conductors and emerging musicians across the continent, NMC has developed young classical musicians in Australia and provided access and investment into the growth of orchestral performing in Australia. The AYO continues to recognise a need for training ground that could bridge the gap between school music programs and professional orchestras, providing an immersive environment where young players can develop ensemble skills, musicianship, and professionalism over an intensive 2-week period. In 2028, the Australian Youth Orchestra will celebrate 80 years since establishment; an achievement which is a testament to the tenure and longevity of the tuition provided at National Music Camp.


Many West Australians made the trip across the Nullabor to attend National Music Camp and AYO.

In Western Australia, camps were held annually from 1952.

1952

1952 Point Peron Music Camp in Western Australia: Jack Harrison, Graham Foote, Brian Pope

1953

 


1964

1964. WASO tutors include: Patrick Brislan, Don Johnson, John Gould and Ashley Arbuckle (all standing on the left and rear). Seated in the second row: Owen Fisenden, Graham Wood, Jack Harrison, John Mowson, Brian Meddemmen, John Dean, Stan Kowarski, Vaughan Hanly, Peter Randall, Brian Pope and also Prof. Frank Callaway.

1972

 

1977 – Perth May Camp

1977 NMCA Perth May Camp at MLC
1977 May Camp Perth – Bishop Orchestra

1979 – Perth May Camp


1980

The West Australian Saturday March 1 1980 page 23

1981

National Music Camp

 


1982

National Music Camp

Perth May Music Camp

1982 May Camp Perth

1983

1983 National Music Camp King’s School Parramatta

1983 May Camp at Wesley

1983 West Australians in AYO in Perth
Amanda Dean, Tim White, Jody Harrison, Adrienne Badcock, Peter Grimshaw and Cameron Retchford

1984

1984 NMC Geelong Janacek Sinfonietta
1984 NMCA list Janacek Sinfonietta

 


1984 AYO TOUR – EUROPE

 


1985

1985 National Music Camp Bishop Orchestra Geelong
David Bishop

 


1986 – Perth May Camp

1986 NMCA May Camp at St Hilda’s A.G.S. with Richard Gill

 

 

 

Australian Youth Orchestra today:

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