Our Orchestras

Bishop Orchestra

Bishop Orchestra is named in honour of John Bishop OBE. Originally from Melbourne before taking up an appointment at the University of Adelaide, John was one of the founding members of the music camp movement in Australia in 1947. Travel to the USA, Europe and Great Britain instilled a burning ambition to instigate the formation of musical camps in Australia.

• Type Symphony Orchestra
• Standard AMEB Grade 7+ or equivalent
• Rehearsal 9.00am – 3.30pm

Alexander Orchestra

Ruth Alexander (affectionately known as Auntie Ruth), was a newly arrived American pianist and music educator in the early 1940’s who inspired John Bishop to investigate establishing a Music camp movement after participating in camps in the USA.

• Type Symphony Orchestra
• Standard AMEB Grade 5+ or equivalent
• Rehearsal 9.00am – 3.30pm

Scott String Orchestra

Professor Bill Scott was a loyal supporter of the State Music Camp Association for a number of years as Chairman of the Committee. As a violinist he had a particular interest in developing the junior string ensembles involved in the camp.

• Type String Orchestra
• Standard AMEB Grade 4+ or equivalent
• Rehearsal 9.00am – 12.30pm

Thomson String Orchestra

Originally named after Dr. Percy Jones OBE, this ensemble was re-named in 2007 in honour of Mrs Leonie Thomson who was a member of the committee of the State Music Camp for forty years. Leonie has since moved to Queensland and follows the activties of the camp with a keen interest.

• Type String Orchestra
• Standard AMEB Preliminary - 3 or equivalent. Ability to read music is essential for this ensemble.
• Rehearsal 9.00am – 12.30pm