The Warragul Municipal Band is looking forward to a momentous year in 2025 when the group celebrates its 140th anniversary.
Since its inception in 1885, the Warragul Municipal Band has been a steadfast entity and integral part of the Warragul and broader West Gippsland communities.
To celebrate the anniversary year, the band will perform a showcase spectacular at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Saturday November 15.
Priding themselves as a child-safe, inclusive organisation, Warragul Municipal Band has an education program, band entry program and training band, junior band, and senior band.
It's safe to say the showcase spectacular in November at WGAC will showcase the many facets of the organisation's work over the past few years - as well as taking the audience on a spectacular journey through the past decades.
The band's education program initiative is dedicated to nurturing young musical talent in the community through structured, enjoyable, and inclusive group tuition.
Engaging activities like "Come and Try" days have been a hit, attracting new members and sparking interest in music.
Exciting performance opportunities, participation in local events, and collaboration with other Gippsland bands and schools all support the long-term goals and vision - playing at state and national championships, building a robust junior band, and providing pathways to the senior band and onwards as professional musicians.
The band entry program runs on Tuesdays, between 4:30 and 5:30pm, and is designed for absolute beginners.
The training band rehearses on Mondays, 4:30 - 5:30pm, and is for players with six months or more music education. Both programs are open to juniors and adults alike.
The junior band will develop throughout 2025 as players from the band entry program and training band progress.
The senior band rehearses on Tuesdays between 7:30 and 9:30pm, and is open to all players with a few musical years under their belt.
For more information about the band entry program and training band, or to arrange a school visit, contact music education specialist Emma Nicholson via educationofficer@warragulband.org
For more information about the senior band, contact band manager Tim Armstrong via manager@warragulband.org
Follow along with the Warragul Municipal Band's 140th anniversary celebrations on Facebook or on https://www.warragulband.org/home