Band’s return a brass roots effort

THE City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band is back firing on all tubas as it prepares for its latest showcase concert, titled Four Seasons in One Day, set for Sunday, 3 July at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Among many others, the weather-themed concert will feature the classic Crowded House tune that the performance is named in recognition of, as well as the Beatles Good Day Sunshine, and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Senior band musical director Cally Bartlett said the ensemble has been “really enjoying” getting back to normal after an extended period of interruptions.

“This year has been really positive so far,” she said. “We really enjoyed marching again in the Easter Torchlight Procession, and just recently we won C Grade at the Bendigo Competitions.

“Regular rehearsals have allowed us to work on ensemble elements and sound like a team again.

“Playing music with other people is all about knowing the players around you and how the other parts sound and work together to bring out the best in the music.”

Bartlett said the band is looking forward to a “really exciting” second half of the year, including the Four Seasons in One Day concert as well as a performance organised by the Rotary Club of Bendigo South with James Morrison at Ulumbarra Theatre.

“We always aim to make our concerts accessible for all and entertain our audience. Lockdowns were not so long ago, where we couldn’t get out to hear live music, so I would encourage everyone to make the most of our local performances,” she said.

Tickets to Four Seasons in One Day can be purchased via bit.ly/3n2eMY2.

Do you play a brass or percussion instrument and would like to get involved? Contact the band by emailing [email protected]. Rehearsals take place at the Tom Flood Sports Centre hall on Wednesday evenings.