NEWS FROM THE 2010 HILLBROOK BAND CAMP

Emily Blackwell has just returned from a 3-day music camp on Mt. Tamborine, Qld which turned into a 4-day camp full of wild weather and high drama! An incredible storm on Saturday night dropped 362mm (15") of rain on the camp in just 9 hours, causing widespread damage on the Gold Coast, numerous landslides and road closures, and 3 deaths (luckily none at camp!). Without power and water for 12 hours, the students gathered in the chapel to play music and write songs, which were later shared with the entire camp to everyone's delight. Returning to school 23 hours after the scheduled arrival, the students were tired, hungry and in great spirits. The best news is that Emily has been selected to play clarinet (2nd chair) in the Hillbrook Wind Symphony, no audition required! Her family (and clarinet teacher) are very proud of her ~ congratulations, Emily!