EMMANUEL Youth Outreach (EYO) haven’t disappointed the young people of Brisbane archdiocese and beyond with their annual Beat School of Music intensive and Zero Gravity camp done and dusted for another year.
Beat was held at St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane, from January 6-10.
It offered practical training for musicians and singers and spiritual formation in their ministry to the Church.
Vinnies Parish Youth co-ordinator in Surfers Paradise Eliza Kerklaan took part with six members of the parish’s “youth music band”.
“The five day school … helped each of us develop ourselves as musicians and band members as well as teaching us more about our individual instruments, the importance of playing at Mass and much more,” she said.
“It was a great five days where we were able to bond as a group, make new friends and have a lot of fun learning and playing new songs.”
Eliza said a variety of musical abilities were catered for during Beat and organisers “helped to increase confidence and skills”.
“They gave us great points and tips,” she said.
“… Especially for playing together as a group, using sound equipment and (in) our role in leading a congregation whilst ensuring that we always keep God present in whatever we are doing.”
Eliza said she benefitted personally from attending and enjoying “watching each band member “grow in confidence, skills and faith”.
Another of the Surfers Paradise group, Amy Beckett, said “(Beat) helped me realise and excited me to know that there are other young people like our group out there who also enjoy and love playing in Catholic youth bands.”
Hot on the heels of Beat was the Zero Gravity camp, this year themed “Transformer” and welcomed hundreds of high schoolers.
Zero Gravity was held at Mt Tambourine, south of Brisbane, from January 12-15.
Not only did the camp offer “inspiring speakers, the awesome emmanuelworship band and outdoor activities”, EYO’s Luke Plant said teenagers enjoyed its regular format, including the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) and Mass.
