Students from Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy communities in Coen and Hope Vale will travel to Cairns next month for Band Camp 2026, culminating in a performance at the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival. Nit reported that Good to Great Schools Australia is coordinating the event, marking a decade of organizing the camp to provide specialist music education access for these students.
The weeklong program blends instrumental tuition on saxophone, trumpet, drums, guitar and other instruments with daily literacy and numeracy lessons. Participants will engage in full band rehearsals, sectionals, choir practice in language, and traditional dance, including routines introduced by Coen students. The planned repertoire features titles such as High Hopes and Circle of Life alongside local cultural performances.
Bernardine Denigan, deputy director of Good to Great Schools Australia, stated the initiative allows young people to develop talents and experience the pride of collective performance. She emphasized that every child deserves quality music education regardless of location. Families are encouraged to attend the final showcase, with some parents serving as supervisors during the camp. The group arrives September 7 for rehearsals leading to a dress run on September 11 before taking the stage on September 12.
For more information, visit nit.com.au.