Band back together

By Nicole Williams
VICURBAN may be revitalising central Dandenong but Michael Mathers is revitalising the City of Greater Dandenong Band.
Mr Mathers took on the role of musical director in November and has made it his mission to rejuvenate the music group.
“I’ve come from a band in Kew and I’ve been playing music since I was seven,” he said.“I’ve embraced the band and my role and the band seems to have embraced me as well.”
Since Mr Mathers took on the role the band has welcomed 10 new members, launched a website and has introduced new uniforms and a new logo.
It will even compete in November’s Blue Lake Brass Band Festival in Mt Gambier, South Australia – the first time the City of Greater Dandenong Band has gone to the competition in 31 years. “For us that is a big deal, the band hasn’t travelled interstate for that contest for 31 years,” Mr Mathers said.
With 32 players at full capacity, the band has members ranging from 13 to 82 years old and with different levels of musical experience. As for the future – the band hopes to welcome more members, launch a junior band program and move into their own band room.
“If you’ve got your own band room, you can provide plenty of opportunities for your community.”
The next concert will be held at The Drum Theatre on Sunday 14 August. For more information about the band as well as upcoming concerts visit www.dandenongband.org.au or call 0423 953 192.