b'Normally, we really only get to play in school bands or have private lessons, Paige said. Here, I get to come to the city, have time away from home, play with these amazing people and learn new pieces.The concept of a week-long live-in camp for the rural players started in 2016 and Dorian said he recalls sitting on the train, talking to the first intake of young people as they all travelled to the camp from the Victorian College of the Arts. He was struck by what an interesting, fantastic group of kids they were.That feeling hasnt stopped as the MYOs summer school rural players embrace the city and their role in the various levels and types of bands that perform.One difference with Melbourne Youth Orchestras is that we place young people together according to their skill level, unlike school where students are generally sorted by age, Dorian said. are next level and its only the residential program thats allowing me to do this.At the urban camp, some kids might be in the top orchestra, or in a jazz band or in one of the younger string My trumpet teacher recommended it and its expandedorchestras, but they come together in the afternoon and my horizons. Its really different to the school experience,overnight, travel to the summer school together and only which felt finite.then split into their bands.The thing for me is seeing the big picture, James added.With almost 900 young musicians taking part in the Getting a glimpse of the music industry, being conducted2024 summer school, the 18 urban camp members found and directed, and meeting all these new people andthemselves in among the equivalent of a large school making friends. population at Melbourne University, but where every Paige, a 14-year-old flutist from Cobram, was hanging outstudent was as passionate about music as they were. after rehearsal with Youki, a 16-year-old trumpet playerLeading local conductors, musicians and directors led five from Sale.days of rehearsals before the final concerts. We both camped last year, played the same level in musicIn a time of rising costs and a struggle for government and then kept in touch, Paige said.funding, student fees are our main source of income and they would need to rise unless philanthropic supporters For Youki, who played in the Sale band and her schoollike Newsboys give us precious assistance. We are very band, being back among so many talented and passionategrateful, Dorian said.young musicians fuelled her passion for jazz. My jazzNick Placeteacher at school has been on long service leave, so Im learning a lot here. Theres a really big difference, and new techniques that Im picking up.NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 202413'