Surf Coast Big Band tunes up for debut

TORQUAY’S own Surf Coast Big Band is putting the final touches on its performance as it prepare for its debut, to be held at Blackman’s Brewery on September 15.

Comprising 18 musicians, the band was formed in February by Oier Salegui who said the players were excited to show the audience what they could do.

“What we’re looking forward to the most is just to play in public. We’ve been rehearsing since February; it’s been a while and we are so ready to play our very first gig.”

Mr Salegui formed the band after playing in groups in the Bellarine and Lara and feeling like Torquay was missing something similar.

“The fact they were able to put a big band together in Portarlington made me think and wonder if I could do something similar based around Torquay and the Surf Coast,” he said.

 

 

“The guys in the Lara Big Band, they were the ones who gave me that last push to get this started. They’ve been crucial and with their guidance and support I’ve been able to start the Surf Coast Big Band.”

The process of putting the band together started off small with just five musicians, and grew through word of mouth.

Band members are predominantly those who have previously played an instrument and are getting back into it.

“There’s many other musicians who play for other bands like concert bands, or brass bands – there’s a bit of a mix in there – but we’ve got a really good group,” Mr Salegui said.

The band originally focused on playing jazz from the 1920s and 1940s and slowly incorporated more styles, adding some rock and blues and continuing to expand its repertoire.

There is no limit to the number of band members who can join, with Mr Salegui encouraging people to get on board.

“We as a band would like to make a call out and if there is anyone who used to play an instrument in college or whatever and hasn’t been playing for a while and thinks they can add to the band by joining us, come along and play.”

Following their gig at Blackman’s Brewery, the band will also be playing a special Christmas performance at the Cowrie Market on December 15.

For more information, head to the Surf Coast Big Band Facebook page or email [email protected]