Concert band plays key role in community music scene

A COMMUNITY band with more than 140 years of history will perform one of its newest shows with clarinets, flutes and saxophones entertaining the crowd at Cherry Street Sports Club.

The Ballina Concert Band will play a free show at the venue on Sunday, June 1 between 11am and noon.

The band was formed in 1883 and is one of the longest continuously serving bands in Australia.

They have remained popular by recruiting new members and playing a range of different styles under musical director Laurie Green.

The group also has a saxophone ensemble known as the Sax Maniacs.

Club president Dick McCoy, a percussionist who plays drums, has been a member of the group for almost 30 years.

“We always look forward to performing in the community and sometimes we even think we don’t have enough opportunities to play,” he said

“Cherry Street have been supportive of the band and we enjoy playing out on the back deck.

“They want to get us in a couple of times during the year which would be fantastic.”

The band performs a variety of music, such as movie themes, contemporary songs, marches, hymns and popular tunes.

They are regulars at Anzac Day and RSL services and have never forgotten their roots.

“We have a photo of the band in its infancy stuck on the wall where we perform,” Mr McCoy said.

“We’re lucky that we get kids around early high school age who have come along to play, too.

“I’m teaching one of the young drummers at the moment and hopefully he takes over from me one day.”

The group rehearse at the Wigmore Hall on Swift Street on Wednesday nights between 7pm and 9pm.

New members are encouraged to attend with the band covering a variety of instruments.

Show times and information on how to join can be found at ballinaconcertband.com.