What is the Band & Strings camp?

A regular feature of the Band & Strings Program at Annandale North Public School, students attend an overnight camp.  This year’s camp will be held at the Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops. 

Students have a great time away – an opportunity to bond as ensembles and friends, whilst they work closely with specialised tutors and conductors.  

• When 1 - 2 April (full itinerary below)

• Where The Tops Conference Centre, 51 Bendena Garden, Stanwell Tops https://thetops.com.au/ 

• Estimated Cost Approximately $375 per student (exact price will be confirmed in Term1 2026)

Who goes to camp?

To be eligible for camp you must be in Year 3 and above AND in any of the following ensembles:

• Chamber Strings

• Senior Strings

• Junior Band

• Senior Band

Note: Students in the Junior Strings ensemble are not eligible to attend. 

Parents and carers need to register students and pay the camp cost before deadline (TBA).

If your child will not attend the camp, please let us know by contacting Jemma Hollonds, Camp Coordinator at music.camp@anpspandc.org by deadline (TBC) so we don’t chase you for enrolment.https://thetops.com.au/

Camp Information session: TBA | 7.30pm

We will be hosting a special information session to answer any questions about camp.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: TBA

Passcode: TBA

Itinerary

Children will spend most of their time alternating between tutorials, in groups or individually (based on the instrument they play), and rehearsals, where they practice in either senior band, junior band, senior strings, chamber strings or orchestra. See below for a more detailed itinerary:

Wednesday 1 April 

• 7:30am Arrive at school
  Drop your instrument and luggage at the bus then meet in the hall

• 8.00am Leave for Stanwell Tops

• Equipment set-up 

• Morning tea/lunch/tutorials/rehearsal

• Orchestra: rehearsal with tutors; Others: Activity

• Room allocation
  Free time and dinner

• 7-9pm Concert and bingo, lights out by 9pm

Thursday 2 April

• 7-9am Wake up, pack bags, breakfast

• Morning tea/lunch/tutorials/rehearsal

• Senior band and senior strings: Rehearsal (Junior band and chamber orchestra: Activity)

• Depart for ANPS at 1:00pm for ~3.00pm arrival at ANPS

Room allocation

Boys and girls will be in separate rooms. There is a room allocation preference box on the online registration form. Students can select from friends in any ensemble/class within their year.

Each child should nominate up to four friends with whom they would be happy sharing a room. Rooms accommodate groups of up to 6, and we will endeavour to place your child with at least one of their nominated friends.

Transport

Transport to and from camp will be by coach.

Meet in the hall on Wednesday 1 April at 7.30am sharp for an 8.00am departure.

Students will return to school Thursday 2 April at ~3:00pm.

ANOOSCHCA and after school care

If your child usually attends ANOOSHCA or other after school care options on Wednesday or Thursday please ensure you email them to advise that your child will not be in attendance on Wednesday and to let them know if they will be in attendance after camp on Thursday. 

If your child will attend ANOOSHCA or another activity on Thursday afternoon, arrangements can be made for them to be signed into these options by the teacher on return to the school, so you can pick them up from there. Please nominate this option when registering online.

★ Code of conduct

ANPS Band & Strings Camp Students will be interacting with teachers, accommodation staff, venue operators and tutors.

Students are to be polite, cooperative, safe and well-mannered at all times. In the evening students will be given a bed-time. Once lights are out teachers expect that students settle down and go to sleep after a very busy day. The attached code of conduct form must be read and acceptance indicated via the registration process.

1. Students will show respect to all conductors, volunteer parents, staff and fellow students

2. Students will follow instructions carefully and remember that everyone’s safety comes first.

3. Students are not to bring mobile phones, electronic devices, and other expensive items to camp.

4. Everyone has a right to sleep – Bedtimes must be adhered to.

5. If you have any concerns while away, please see a staff member, conductor or parent volunteer.

6. Have fun, and enjoy the music making and the time away with your friends.

Note to parents: Please understand that taking students away for an overnight camp is an enormous responsibility. If students do not follow instructions during daytime activities and at night time, they will be given a warning. Failure to listen to the warning will result in parents being contacted and possible exclusion from the remainder of the camp. If this occurs a family member will need to collect the student from The Tops.

★ Orchestra Workshop | Sunday 29 March

Every year, the Orchestra gets together on a Sunday to sneak in some extra practice. We meet at school to play together and take part in focused sectional sessions for Strings, Woodwind/Brass and Percussion.

This workshop is a requirement of the program and a valuable time to bond as a group and improve the way we play together.

Please let us know if you are unable to attend.

• When Sunday 29 March 2026 (students must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian)

  1. • Dropoff at 12:45 pm

     • Pickup 4:30 pm

• Where ANPS school hall and classrooms

• Cost included in annual program fees

What to bring?

• A healthy snack for afternoon tea (standard no-nut policy applies)

• Please eat lunch before you come

• Your music

• Your instrument and all accessories (valve oil, rosin etc.)

Still have questions?

Contact Jemma, Camp Coordinator at music.camp@anpspandc.org