Monash Concert Band: Happy 40th, the show’s just getting started
The Monash Concert Band is getting ready to blow out the candles on a very special birthday cake when it celebrates 40 years of community music at a gala concert on Saturday 14 June.
And the band would be thrilled to have the local community join the party.
Monash Concert Band is a vibrant community ensemble that has entertained audiences in Melbourne's south-east since 1985. The band performs at council events, festivals and services, including the annual City of Monash Carols by Candlelight with an audience of more than 20,000.
“Everybody enjoys it, they think it’s (performing at Monash Carols) the coolest thing and they really enjoy it,” Monash Concert Band president Susan Latina-Cohen said. “The band loves it. It’s something we’re very committed to.
“We get to play with the Oakleigh Brass Band and it’s good that you get to play with other people and learn about other people.”
The band also performs its own showcase concerts, featuring both popular and traditional music, with soloists and guest ensembles.
Monash Concert Band currently has 51 members, ranging in age from 15 to 80. On average, band members stay involved for 10-11 years, although more than 15 of the current performers have been playing for 15 years or more - Ann Grant has played with the band since its foundation 40 years ago while another, Ian Young, has played for 32 years.
“We have retired people; teachers, not necessarily music teachers; scientists, people from the CSIRO; young people; high school students and some just starting university; marketing people; we have two families that are in the band together,” Susan said of the band’s diverse line-up.
“One thing we are pleased about is that we’ve been able to recruit younger members. Because we were thinking about our ongoing legacy, and (the band) being able to sustain itself.
“(The diversity) makes it more interesting for members.”
David Billimoria is the sixth music director in the four decades of the Monash Concert Band and, after taking the role in March 2023, has been instrumental in revitalising the band post-COVID. With a broad taste in music, he keeps rehearsals and performances fun and engaging for band members and audiences alike by performing a variety of music from many different genres.
GALA CONCERT CELEBRATES 40th BIRTHDAY
Monash Concert Band is about to celebrate 40 years of community music at a gala concert on Saturday 14 June. Organisers are urging all music lovers to book their tickets for a two-hour musical extravaganza.
The theme of the concert is Australian music, and the band is delighted to have renowned Australian composer Graham Lloyd joining it for the event. The band will play two of Graham's compositions—'Swinging Matilda’ and ‘From Dawn to Dusk’.
When: Saturday 14 June (7pm)
Where: Salvation Army Chapel, 958 High Street Road, Glen Waverley
How to book: https://www.trybooking.com/DAHBQ
Find out more: https://www.monashconcertband.org.au
Need to get in touch: mcbevents@outlook.com
COME JOIN THE BAND
Anyone passionate about their music, and looking to take part in a community band, is more than welcome to join the Monash family and enjoy community music at its finest. Players of all levels are invited to come and try out. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings (7.30 – 10pm) at the Notting Hill Community Hall (386 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill).
“We are rehearsing most Thursday nights but take a few weeks off a year. We’re not professionals but we want to be the best we can,” Susan said.
She said, often, musicians spend so much time practising on their own that when a piece of music comes together it can be very rewarding.
“It’s the combined sound, it’s about what we do together,” she said. “That makes it really satisfying.”
CHIME IN TO HELP THE BELLS RING
The Monash Concert Band’s orchestral chimes (tubular bells) are a core feature of its percussion instrument collection. They feature heavily in Christmas music and at the band’s performances at Monash Carols by Candlelight.
The current chimes are a one-octave set that is at least 88 years old. Most concert repertoire requires a 1.5 octave set.
To celebrate its 40th year, the Monash Concert Band is aiming to purchase five additional chimes so that it can play all pieces as composers intended. It would appreciate any contributions to help it reach a target of $4000.