The South Australian May Music Camp: 1962 -1986

Abstract

The aim of this research is to compile a chronological history of the South Australian May Music Camp (SAMMC), identifying it as a significant extra-curricular activity in the calendar of music education opportunities, open to children from nine to 23 years of age, between 1962 and 1986. This annual nonresidential music camp took place over a five-day period, in the May school holidays. In 1987, a change of name to the South Australian State Music Camp (SASMC) occurred when the South Australian Government altered the annual school calendar from three terms to four, and the camp moved from the May to July school holidays. Students auditioned for SAMMC, to engage in an intensive, graded music ensemble experience, receiving expert tuition from professional music educators, while being exposed to extensive orchestral and wind ensemble repertoire. The SASMC continues to run successfully in 2018. This research follows the establishment of music camps in Australia in 1948, examining the contribution of the National Music Camp Association (NMCA) in the spread of state-based camps across Australia, specifically the SAMMC in Adelaide, and the subsequent formation of the South Australian Music Camp Association (SAMCA). The investigation outlines the aims and objectives of SAMCA acknowledging the important position SAMMC holds in South Australian music education history. Prior to this research, no record of the activities of SAMCA or SAMMC existed, so it makes a significant contribution to SA historical records. A literature review summarises the potential benefits of music ensemble participation for student development, particularly within a non-residential music camp context. The music education environment in SA from which SAMMC emerged is observed, noting other ensemble opportunities available to primary and high school children at that time. This research records the establishment of the SA Department of Education Music Branch, which resulted in an increase in the number of primary school students learning to play a musical instrument, and discusses how this growth contributed to the need for further ensemble performance opportunities in SA, highlighting how this was reflected in the expansion of SAMMC. The organisational structure, management and finances of the SAMCA are detailed, along with methods of communication. The administrative and learning environments are presented, specifically staffing, daily routines, repertoire and instrumentation, ensembles, standards and audition processes. Key personnel, such as Founders, Directors, Administrators, and people after whom SAMMC ensembles were named, are documented. This research records known historical details of the SAMMC, through the examination of primary and secondary sources, providing a comprehensive timeline of activities, outlining significant milestones. The oral testimonies of 51 past SAMMC participants who are still involved in community music activities was collected, which provides their opinions on the benefits of ensemble participation at music camps and confirms the significant contribution made by the SAMMC to music education in SA. The research observes the actions of the SAMCA to recognise the changing music education environment surrounding SAMMC, and how it sought ways to adjust, change and expand activities to accommodate those developments. The evidence presented provides significant evidence supporting the argument that the SAMMC has made an important contribution to South Australian music education history.