Making music and feeling fulfilled

ARE you a musician interested in joining a community band?

Well, the Ballarat Memorial Concert Band have an opportunity for you and are hosting an open rehearsal for prospective members on Wednesday, 6 April at their Wilkinson Hall rehearsal space on Barkly Street.

Band director Andrew Power said he’s aiming to on-board new people who love a challenge and playing good music in a team, as the group has lost members throughout the pandemic.

“A few have fallen off since lockdowns and some have moved away, but lots of new people have moved to Ballarat and they might be musicians we could attract,” he said.

“For some people who might not be into sports and activities, being in a band, getting out and belonging to a group means a lot to them, whether it’s just a hobby, or is their whole life.

“We want to get music happening again in the community through our forum, which is a really wonderful one. It’s a way to get out, be with people, make music and feel fulfilled.”

The band is more than 100 years old, and Mr Power said the historic nature of a community band is important to the city’s cultural fabric.

“It means a lot to local people. We provide live music in the street during Christmas and the Begonia Festival, which brings the place to life,” he said.

Being in the band can also be very rewarding for players. They recently won best musical entry in the 2022 Begonia parade.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more. It shows how keen the band is to get out and play to people, and how much their love their music,” Mr Power said.

The open rehearsal will be held on Wednesday, 6 April from 7pm to 8.30pm.