By Casey Neill
A new brass band is making music more accessible in Springvale.
The City of Greater Dandenong Band has started a second band and is inviting anyone who is aged eight years and up and has any musical ability to join in.
Springvale Brass started in late April and runs weekly rehearsals for those who are ready to play.
Those with little or no musical training can get lessons and a limited number of instruments are available for hire.
Spokeswoman Vicki-Ann Ware said this would be a huge benefit to anyone who wanted to learn music but couldn’t afford private lessons.
She said the band was particularly keen to involve young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We would like to offer them a chance to learn something they might not otherwise be able to afford,” she said.
“The band provides an important opportunity to build social inclusion and cohesion in the Dandenong region.”
Dr Ware got involved because playing music was a healthy, fun activity on many levels.
“I am really loving working with young musicians, helping them to develop their talent and skills,” she said.
“Music has provided a wonderful means of self-expression for me over the years.
“It has been a source of solace in hard times and a way to celebrate in good times.
“Playing with bands and orchestras has also provided a fun way to meet other people and to do something bigger and better together than any of us could achieve on our own.
“Knowing we have also brought joy to audiences is also something really special.”
Dr Ware plays tenor horn with the City of Greater Dandenong Band and has been playing French horn since 1983.
The band has served the local community almost continuously since 1885.
“We perform regularly at civic events across this region, including the annual Dandenong Anzac Day march, RSL events and community Christmas carols,” she said.
“Having a second band means we can perform even more widely in the community, providing fun and enjoyment for audiences as well as helping people commemorate important civic and historical events.”
Springvale Brass conductor Todd O’Shea has been involved in several brass bands across Victoria and Tasmania for more than 30 years.
“I am looking forward to working with a new generation of musicians and continuing to build the strong community feel of the band,” he said.
Springvale Brass meets weekly during school terms, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesdays, in Dandenong.
“We hope to move to our own venue in Springvale South later in the year,” Dr Ware said.
Visit www.dandenongband.org.au/springvale-brass to get involved.
