The community band provides musical support for many groups and activities, both within Mitchell Shire and beyond.
This month the band will be treating the community to an afternoon full of music with its Annual Seymour Concert.
“Come along to the Seymour College Arts Centre on Sunday, October 13 at 2pm and enjoy The Mitchell Shire Concert Band’s Annual Seymour Concert,” the band’s Elizabeth Bedggood said.
“The concert will showcase a wide variety of music, featuring some very familiar items from stage and screen.
“We are fortunate to have as our guest artist Lynda Allen, a fabulous singer who is well known for her many appearances in SPW (Seymour Performers Workshop) and BATS (Broadford Amateur Theatrical Society) productions.
“Lynda will present a selection of show tunes and standards for your enjoyment.”
The band members play various instruments, such as woodwind (flute, clarinet and saxophone); brass (trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba); string (double bass) and percussion (drums, glockenspiel, xylophone, bells and effects).
The band currently has 27 members whose ages range from young through to quite senior.
The music director for the band is Eric Andersen, a former head of the Defence Force School of Music.
Eric is ably supported by assistant music director Sandy Sexton.
The senior band practises on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm in the band hall near the entrance to Chittick Park in Seymour.
Sandy, who taught music in secondary schools before retiring, runs the Learner Band program with assistance from principal players in the senior band.
“We are also fortunate to have secured the services of some supporting musicians from the Shepparton region and two from Western Australia,” Ms Bedggood said.
“The rest of the program will consist of music which the band has purchased during the past year, with the generous assistance of our friends at Community Bank Wallan, Kilmore and Broadford.”
The Mitchell Shire Concert Band encourages players of all ages, over 10, to come and have a go at learning an instrument.
Studies show that playing a musical instrument is good for both children and adults, according to the band.
Kids do better in all of their subjects at school, and adults keep their brains healthy.
Making music increases IQ and helps stave off dementia and is a great way to make new friends.
“We teach in a clear, step-by-step way, starting with small group or individual lessons, and then progress into our Tuesday night sessions which usually commence at 5:15pm,” Ms Bedggood said.
“The cost is very reasonable at $5 a week, and $10 per family, plus we can supply the instruments with a refundable deposit.
“Our next learner program will begin in early 2025, but feel free to make inquiries now and reserve your place.”
Tickets to the Mitchell Shire Concert Band’s Annual Seymour Concert are available to purchase through trybooking.com/events/landing/1287996
Tickets range from $5 for children under 16, to $20 for a family ticket.
“All proceeds from this concert will be used to continue the band’s learner program, where learners of all ages over 10 can discover the joy of performing in a large ensemble,” Ms Bedggood said.
For more information, contact the band secretary at secretary@mitchellshireconcertband.org.au or by calling 0420 200 278.
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