32 schools handpicked some of their finest musicians from years four to 10 to take part, giving many their first opportunity to play in a large ensemble.

Coordinator Greg Costello has been involved in the program for 20 years and was thrilled to have the largest contingent in the programs history this year.

‘‘We have students from Helensburgh right down to the border, out to the Snowys, Queenbeyan, Southern Highlands ... we get kids from fairly isolated schools a lot of the time,’’ said Greg. 

‘‘It’s one of those equity programs giving kids opportunities they wouldn’t get in their own school, and it’s the only instrumental program running in this area that focuses mainly on primary school kids – as the vast majority here are primary.’’

Students learned new pieces ranging from rock to uptown funk, the Star Wars theme and classic pieces, for their first performance together in front of family and friends Tuesday afternoon.

It’s the first time on a band camp for Ryan Mills, 12, from Wonoona High School and loved hanging out with other ‘‘cool people’’.

‘‘I think music is really cool because it’s fun to play ... and everybody who plays music are nice people,’’ he said.

The children will also get together on other occaisions throughout the year, with a final major peformance in November at the Combined Schools Instrumental Festival.