Cape York students from 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.
Students from Cape York Aboriginal Australian Academy communities will spend the week developing their musical and performance skills with specialist tutors before taking to the festival stage on September 12.
The annual program will include instrumental tuition, full band rehearsals, smaller section rehearsals, choir and dance, while students will also continue daily literacy and numeracy lessons.
They will work with instruments including saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, drums and percussion, guitar and bass guitar.
The planned repertoire includes High Hopes, Circle of Life, Island Breeze and Amazon Explorers, alongside choir performances and traditional dance, including dance traditions brought into the program by Coen students.
Good to Great Schools Australia is supporting the coordination of this year's camp alongside CYAAA, participating campuses and specialist tutors, with 2026 marking 10 years of the organisation coordinating Band Camp for Cape York students.
GGSA Deputy Director Bernardine Denigan said the program gave students the chance to develop their abilities while performing together.
"Band Camp gives our young people the opportunity to work hard at something they enjoy, develop their talents and experience the pride that comes from performing together," Ms Denigan said.
"Music brings people together. These students will come from Coen and Hope Vale, learn together throughout the week and then take what they have achieved onto a stage where their families and communities can celebrate with them."
They are set to arrive in Cairns on September 7 before beginning several days of rehearsals, lessons and activities ahead of their final performance.
The program includes time for students to work in smaller instrumental sections before combining as a full band, along with choir rehearsals in language and dance sessions.
A full dress rehearsal will be held on September 11 before a final band and choir rehearsal on the morning of the festival.
Parents and families will also take part in the week, with some parents supporting the camp as supervisors and families encouraged to attend the students' performance.
Ms Denigan said Band Camp was also intended to give students in Cape York access to specialist music education.
"Every child should have the opportunity to experience a great music education, regardless of where they live," she said.
"For 10 years, Good to Great Schools Australia has been proud to coordinate Band Camp and help create opportunities for Cape York students to learn from specialist musicians, develop their talents and experience performing for a live audience."
Good to Great Schools Australia is coordinating specialist tutors, the music program, facilities, resources and performance arrangements for the camp.
The organisation also operates its Music for Learning program, which provides schools with free curriculum resources including lessons, teaching guides, student workbooks, assessments and professional learning.
Band Camp will conclude with the Cape York Academy Band performing at the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival from 1.05pm on Saturday, September 12.
