Century-old Marist Brass Band forges on

AFTER a few understandably quiet years the Marist Brass Band is back in full operation and, with an eye on the future, is actively seeking young people to join its academy.

Parents and their children will have the chance to discover how the 114-year-old band operates at a special midday performance on Saturday 14 September at the Bendigo Library.

Life-long brass player and the group’s new musical director, Colin Wellard, said the concert represents a great opportunity for the community to gain an understanding about what a brass band is, what it plays, and what it looks like.

“It’s education by stealth, I suppose,” he said. “There’s so much going on in the world, unless we’re out there doing these performances, kids and their parents might not know that we exist or that we have an academy.”

He said the hour-long show will be fast-paced and interactive, with the academy also performing.

“All of the music will be from TV and cinema, so they’ll absolutely know the tunes. It’s short and sharp, making sure that we keep their interest for the hour.”

Catch the Marist Brass Band at the Bendigo Library on Saturday 14 September from 12pm. Its academy groups rehearse every week and aim to perform in public at least three to four times annually.

Opportunities include playing at the Bendigo Eisteddfod, the ​Marist Brass Carols in the Cathedral, several parades, and various other community events. Further information can be found at maristbrass.org.au/#learn-to-play.