Riverina Conservatorium of Music proudly presents Festival of Concert Bands:
Join us for a weekend celebrating all things Concert Band with performances, rehearsals and sectionals spanning three days, it’s an opportunity for players of all abilities to learn alongside the professional musicians of the Australian Army Band Kapooka and the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. All concert band musicians are welcome, with three graded ensembles to suit varied playing levels.
📍 Friday night (March 15, 5pm-7pm) we will be hosting a FREE 'carpark party' at the RCM with live music performances and food vendors, a lovely night of cool tunes and comfort food!
This event is supported by the Wagga Wagga city Councils Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Grant for 23/24.
COST: $50 per person
Please Note: Primary School Band Day free of charge for all school students.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL: CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING & PAYMENT
PROGRAM and details BELOW:
Friday 15th March
Primary School Band Day
9:30am - 2:30pm Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Open to all primary school students playing for one year or more and led by the experienced educators at the RCM, Friday is a chance for young players to experience new repertoire, learn new skills, and make new friends. Friday’s session is free of charge for all school students.
Festival Party in the Carpark
5:00pm - 7:00pm Riverina Conservatorium of Music Carpark
Welcome in the Festival weekend with our first ever party in the carpark! With performances by ensembles from the Australian Army Band Kapooka and the Riverina Concert Band as well as food vendors on site, it’s set to be a fun evening of music and mingling!
Saturday 16th March
CONCERT BAND WORKSHOPS:
Join RCM staff and guest musicians from the Australian Army Band Kapooka for a day of ensemble development. With two band streams to choose from (details below) and a mix of full rehearsals and group tutorials, there will be the opportunity for all musicians to hone their playing skills.
10:00am - 4:30pm Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Stream 1 - The Wollundry Ensemble
Playing repertoire at Concert Band Grade 2 and led by RCM’s Tamara Spencer, the Wollundry Ensemble is the perfect place for less experienced players and those looking to enjoy developing their ensemble playing skills in a relaxed environment.
Stream 2 - The Murrumbidgee Band
If you’re looking for a challenge, the Murrumbidgee Band is for you! Conducted by Major Gregory Peterson of the Australian Army Band Kapooka and working on Grade 4 repertoire, this is the place to be if you’ve been craving a more demanding playing opportunity.
Musicianship and Recruiting Workshop
Join Major Greg Peterson and lead players from the Australian Army Band Kapooka for an exciting musicianship and recruiting workshop. A new initiative for 2024, this workshop will appeal to all attendees, as experienced professional musicians share their tips and tricks across a wide range of conducting, brass, woodwind, percussion, and rhythm section topics. Also, attendees will hear how their skills as a musician can be used to serve Australia through music. Not to be missed!
4:40pm - 6pm Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Sunday 17th March
Massed Band Rehearsal
All players combine to rehearse several pieces together in preparation for the Festival finale concert.
9:00am - 10:00am Riverina Conservatorium of Music
FREE Festival Finale Concert at the Victory Memorial Gardens
Bring a picnic and enjoy the sounds of a collection of concert bands as they present a varied program of repertoire. Showcasing music developed during the Festival weekend and with performances from the RCM’s combined Concert Bands and the Australian Army Band Kapooka, the Festival Finale will culminate in a massed ensemble performance featuring all the attendees from Saturday’s workshops. It’s bound to be a musical feast!
11:00am Victory Memorial Gardens
COST: $50 per person (Primary School Band Day free of charge for all school students)
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL: CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING & PAYMENT
