Join the Geelong West Brass Band

Do you play a brass instrument? Are you looking for a way to get involved in the local community? Well the Geelong West Brass Band (GWBB) needs you! Always looking for keen brass and percussion players who can read music to join their energetic ranks, the a community based B Grade Band are hosting open rehearsals for anyone who wants to get involved. We chat to the hard-working and entertaining band about how to join and what you can expect.
Hey guys thanks for chatting to Forte! You’ve got open rehearsals for interested players coming up soon! What’s involved with this?
We are always looking for new players, and anyone interested is always welcome to turn up to a Tuesday evening rehearsal. However, we though it would be a great idea to have a couple of well promoted ‘Open’ rehearsals – on Tuesday 18 September and Tuesday 30 October. Each rehearsal is two weeks before a big performance and should give prospective new players a good idea of what we do. Players who want to come along are welcome to just come and listen, or to bring their instrument and have a play with us.
What level of experience is required to join the band?
Well, being able to play a brass instrument or percussion and read music are the most important requirements! However, the band is very supportive of players who don’t have a lot of experience, or perhaps have not played for a long time. Our musical director even offers lessons. We are really keen to recruit teenagers and young adults who have maybe played at school. We are particularly looking for a kit percussion player who can read music and really drive a great performance. Players who play other non-brass band instruments, such as Trumpet and French Horn are also welcome, while you can’t play those instruments in the band, its not that difficult to transition to a cornet or a horn. The band has high quality instruments to loan to members.
Do interested players need to bring anything along? Is it free?
You don’t need to bring anything along, although, if you have your own instrument bring that. Mainly we are looking for people to bring energy and enthusiasm. The open rehearsals are free, and we generally encourage new plays to come along for 3 or 4 rehearsals before deciding whether to commit to joining the band. If you do join, there is a one-off joining fee of $90 to cover the cost of the band uniform and Victorian Bands League membership. The annual membership fee is then $60 and $40 for pensioners and students – just over $1.15 per week – not bad for a great time and some serious entertainment!
What can people expect from joining the band?
You can expect to form great friendships, be part of a really supportive group, and, of course to make amazing music! The membership of the band is really diverse, members come from all walks of life. We have school and university students, tradespeople, engineers, teachers, doctors, scientists, a pharmacist, a radiographer, and an optician with ages ranging from 15 to well over 70.
To finish off, why should people get involved in the Geelong West Brass Band?
There is really nothing like the sound of a great brass band in full flight, and being part of that as a player is a really magical experience. Anyone who has played in a group before will know this. If you have played before, even long ago, come along and remind yourself what’s great about making music with other people. Its also a great way to engage with and support your local community.
Open Rehearsal goes down on Tuesday September 18 and October 30 at 7:15pm.
Call/text 0478 594716 or visit www.geelongwestbrassband.com.au