Music
Music Camp It was with glad hearts that staff and students of Barker’s ensemble program were able to descend on the idyllic surroundings of the Tops Conference Centre, overlooking the ocean from atop the Illawarra Escarpment.
The first two days were given over to choir camp, and after nine months of enforced silence the 137 singers were especially grateful to meet outside under canvas awnings, able to sing together once again. Two days of glorious rehearsal were enough to reignite the passion for chorus singing, and we had the added bonus of a visit and workshop with Hollywood film composer Ken Lampl, who is writing a work for our choirs. With a mix of fresh repertoire and unperformed favourites from 2020, Senior Choir were able to welcome new Year 10 students into our singing culture. Middle School Choir meanwhile continues to grow in size and quality as it reaches the point of two thirds coeducational. By day two the additional 241 instrumentalists had arrived, the singers went to activities, and orchestras and bands were in full swing. Visitors were not allowed onto the site, but a fly on the wall would have been overwhelmed by the listening choices on offer. The enthusiasm of Middle School ensembles was positively infectious (in a good way), whilst Senior students were back to their best in no time at all. As an ensemble director it is a joy to get quality time with an ensemble that is finding enjoyment in hard work and achievement.
24 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021
Music Camp of course is not all work. The usual student concerts allowed students from all years the opportunity to perform, to the acclaim of the entire camp. Trivia night is a highlight, ably organised by the Music Captains once again, and a particular favourite was guessing the teacher from their baby photograph. Activities as diverse as kart racing, leap of faith, survivor, giant swing, high ropes, archery and the ever-popular private study focused the mind and the body on a searing day. There was no time for tiredness. We’re always very aware that for a significant number of students, Music Camp is their first ever Barker experience. It’s always heartening to see new students grow into their first days at Barker, and we are honoured to have that part to play in their journey. It is our hope that 2021 allows them to demonstrate to the wider Barker Community their immeasurable talents. We look forward to seeing you at a Barker event soon. Peter Ellis Director of Choral Programs
