AFTER a combined workshop with Mount Gambier based South East Concert Band and a performance at the well-organised and well-attended Sandford Bush Music Festival, the Casterton Vice Regal Band is in full swing with preparations for a full calendar of community performances.

The traditional ANZAC Day ceremonies are always a highlight for the band and recent rehearsals have been focussed on some balance and fine tuning of both march and hymn music.

It is hoped that this year’s Kelpie Muster parade and street performance will see the addition of some visiting bands, with invitations issued to other outfits to attend, bringing some musical and visual variety and colour to this iconic day.

With several new pieces of music in front of the players this year, work is already underway on a major community concert in September.

With the band already putting in the hard work on dynamics, intonation and overall sound under conductor Michael McNamara, it’s sure to be a very worthwhile event.

Although it’s a bit early to talk about Christmas, this year marks the 75th year since the local Carols by Candlelight event was first initiated by the band, so planning for that event is also on the band’s current agenda.

Besides ongoing notices in this paper, a community notice board will be installed outside the Island Park band room, so community members and visitors alike will be able to keep up to date with upcoming band and community events.

In a boost for the band, several new players have joined this year, filling gaps in the front row positions on flute, saxophone, horn and clarinet as well as percussion. 

The band is keen to continue recruiting throughout the year. If you’re interested and would like to see how the band performs, come along on a Monday night to observe the group in action, starting at 7pm at the Island Park Band Hall.