6 April 2017

Well it’s that time of year again! The National Band Championships are fast approaching, and the City of Greater Dandenong Band is preparing to ship out and set sail across the Bass Straight for the competition. In three performances across the Easter long-weekend, the Band will show what we have to offer – with a hymn, test, own choice and stage march, along with another of our infamous street marches! After a big weekend of rehearsals, the Band is putting on the finishing touches and is filled with excitement for the performances ahead.
 

Last Saturday saw the band gathering in Dandenong for a busy day of preparation. First up, the band was happy to welcome Graham Lloyd along for a workshop and masterclass. Graham had many pearls of wisdom to share on the finer points of tuning and intonation. Having said a hearty Thank-You to Graham, the Band was back to rehearsals briefly before preparation for a pre-nationals performance. Joining us for the afternoon concert were Boroondara Brass and Boroondara Harmony Brass bands. Family, friends and bandies joined the audience for what was a fantastic afternoon of music. All three bands should be very happy with their performances.  
 

For a change of scenery, Dandenong Band headed over to the Box Hill City Bandroom on Sunday morning for another full day of rehearsals. Amidst the cool and, at times, showery weather the Band managed to get some marching practice in - with plenty of laughter and tomfoolery along the way. We can’t say too much about what our change-of-direction will be this year, but we hope you’ll be as entertained as us!

Thanks to Boroondara Brass and Boroondara Harmony Brass for joining us for a fantastic afternoon on Saturday, and for Box Hill City Band for having us in their lovely bandroom. We are looking forward to the performances that all the bands dish up over the Easter weekend.
 

To keep up to date with Dandenong Band over the nationals weekend, keep an eye out for our Facebook posts or catch us on the live stream at www.brassbanned.com. The Open ‘B’ Grade Brass will be streamed from Albert Hall, you can also catch us in the Parade of Bands on Saturday morning. For more information on the Nationals, check out www.nationalbandchampionships.com.au.

Goodluck to all of the bands, ensembles, soloists, and supporters heading to Tasmania for the National Band Championships. Travel safely and have a fantastic time! 

By Cassi de Lacy-Vawdon