16 September 2012

The City of Greater Dandenong Band recently competed in the annual Traralgon Contest (as part of the LaTrobe Valley Eisteddfod) at the LaTrobe City Performing Arts Centre. Entering both the B and A Grade sections, the band performed very well finishing a credible 3rd in both sections.

Under the baton of the bands Assistant Musical Director, Fletcher Mitchell, the band played a variety of pieces across both grades to an appreciative audience who enjoyed a full day of brass competition. Fletcher, who is also Musical Director of the Dandenong Youth Brass, lead the band for several weeks in the lead up to the contest while its resident Musical Director, Michael Mathers, joined the tuba section.

"It's good for the band to have a different face, different voice ... but similar messages from time to time. To make sure we stay fresh and keep the interest level up it is good to have a different Musical Director out the front and I thank Fletch(er) for his willingness and efforts" Michael said. "I know it was an interesting learning curve for me and I was able to learn a few things from within the playing group that I wouldn't see from out the front. I don't' recommend my tuba skills to many though" said Michael (who is normally a cornet/horn player).

In addition to the band performances in the band section, its members also entered several ensemble sections winning the open Duet and the Open Ensemble. 

Full results of the band contest can be found on the at www.vbl.org.au/results/2012-results/traralgon2012