Groove Connections

A great opportunity for young muso’s 🎶😊

🎶🎺 North Coast Music Camp 🎻🎤

Calling all vocalists and instrumentalists in Years 5 to 12 from NSW public schools! 🌟🎼

North Coast Music Camp is an exciting 3-night intensive camp where students come together to build their musical skills, confidence and performance experience in a fun and supportive environment 🎵✨

Led by professional specialist practitioners and conductors, students will have the opportunity to:
🎺 Rehearse in a main ensemble
🎤 Sing in choir
🎼 Explore a range of music electives
🤝 Collaborate with talented young musicians from across NSW

📅 Camp dates: Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 September 2026 (Term 3, Week 7)

Beyond the music, students will also enjoy a range of fun recreational activities coordinated by camp staff 🌿🏕️🎉

📍 Students attending the camp will stay at Coffs Coast Adventure Centre 🌊🌟

👉 Apply now:
artsunit.nsw.edu.au/local-arts-program/north-coast-music-camp

Pursuing music while being successful at other passions is totally do-able 👍🏻 It doesn’t have to be one or the other 🎶🤓

The Offspring frontman Dexter Holland—who holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, a master’s degree, and a PhD in molecular biology from USC Dornsife—delivered an inspiring speech at the university’s 2026 commencement ceremony, encouraging graduates to pursue their passions no matter how disparate they may seem.

Reflecting on his own journey, Holland spoke about studying pre-med at USC while simultaneously starting a punk band, later earning his master’s degree in molecular biology while playing Hollywood clubs at night.

“I loved the definitive logic of science, but I was also drawn toward the energy and freedom in music,” Holland said, explaining how he spent years feeling torn between two worlds and believing he had to choose only one identity.

“Life is not a straight line, but a series of pivots,” Holland told graduates, encouraging them to reject the idea that they can only “be” one thing for the rest of their lives. He also urged students to “find the space to be both a rigorous thinker and a wild dreamer.”

“I hope you never feel forced to trade your aspiration for a paycheck or your passion for a title.”

He also encouraged graduates to “make decisions that are driven by your heart, but guided by the critical thinking you've learned here.”

What a fun time we had! 🥁😊
Drumming, singing, moving, laughing and coming together to share some favourite tunes 💜

Great stuff coming out of Cromer high! 🙌🏻

Well done rock stars! 🤘🏻🎶

Triple J Unearthed Listen to our fabulous entries in Triple J's Unearthed High competition to find Australia's best high school aged artist.

A great read about the awesome impact music has on our brains and the way we learn 🧠 🎶👍🏻

Music is THE BEST 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Are you a budding song writer?

Or maybe someone you know is?

Get involved in this awesome competition!

🥁Drum roll please… entries are now OPEN for the 2026 ACMF National Songwriting Competition!

Young songwriters from Kindergarten to Year 12, it’s time to share your original music with the world!🎸 You can write solo or get the whole school involved and write a song together - whatever your idea is, we want to hear it!

With over $30,000 in prizes to be won, this is the perfect opportunity for children across Australia to showcase their creativity, be celebrated, and win amazing prizes — all through the power of original songwriting🎶✍️

Learn more and submit your song HERE➡️ https://acmf.com.au/national-songwriting-competition/

A huge thank you to our amazing 2026 sponsors: