Awesome! Fantastic to be with so many others who share my passion. Can’t wait for next year. These were just some of the ways Westbourne students described their time at the recent music camp. It might have been cold in Daylesford but 120 students and their teachers soon warmed up over four days of intense rehearsals in readiness for the annual concert. Described by Director of Music, Andrew Leach, as ‘integrated and inclusive – and an opportunity for kids to make music together’, this special time for senior school students to be away from any distractions means that music can become the main focus for the school’s many choirs, bands and orchestras. ‘We know how enthusiastic they are so it’s fantastic to see them grow and thrive doing what they love. There is such a sense of equality and purpose and a terrific bond between our younger students and the older ones.’ And outside of rehearsals, the camp is also a great opportunity for the Year 12s to take on leadership roles and provide heaps of extra activities for the group. ‘Music requires discipline and focus,’ says Andrew. ‘Which makes it such an incredible learning experience.’