THERE’S nothing quite like the sound of a brass band in full swing, and there’s nothing like winning a competition in your hometown.
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The Marist Brass Band managed to combine both, coming home with the trophy at the Bendigo Eisteddfod last weekend.
Up against Frankston, Sunshine, Western Brass and the City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band, the Marist band won the C category.
The band was under the direction of internationally renowned brass musician and former Bendigonian Dr Matthew van Emmerick.
Among the band’s 31 members were two from the Marist academy – Rachel Hamilton, 12, and Henry Livingstone, 11 – playing their first graded brass band competition.
Marist Brass president Sally Spark said it was a priceless experience for the young musicians.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that these kids get the opportunity to play alongside experienced players and compete at this level,” she said.
“The experience they gained from playing under a director like Dr Emmerick was immeasurable; their playing has improved dramatically over the last couple of months, and they both played very well on the day.”
The eisteddfod was the band’s first competition since it took a year off to focus on community events.
The academy also competed at the Bendigo Eisteddfod under the guidance of musical director Clair McLean.
Some of the members competed in solo sections, managing to win a number of medals. The academy currently has 10 members.
Ms McLean said while it was difficult at times to attract younger people to brass instruments, the benefits were clear for all to see.
“I think it’s not really seen as a cool instrument among kids,” she said.
“But learning a brass instrument definitely helps in all walks of life, you can learn a whole range of skills.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to know that all the hard work that is put into a competition like this pays off in the end.”
Marist Brass will now look ahead to the statewide competition in Ballarat in August, before competitions in Traralgon and Mount Gambier later in the year.
The band is always on the lookout for new members of all abilities and for sponsorship to help purchase new instruments, and to upgrade the current uniform.
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the band at band@maristbrass.org.au or visit the Marist Brass Facebook page.
The Bendigo Eisteddfod is also continuing this weekend with junior events, including instrumental and vocal, held at Bendigo South East College. Visit www.bendigocomps.org.au for more information.