About the Band

Unley Concert Band has been in existence since 1997. We aim to offer musicians the highest quality of amateur musicianship in Adelaide. Since the bands inception we have provided service to the community and the South Australian Band Association. Our commitment to the Anzac Day Parade is held in high regard by the community.

The Band was formed in 1997 and has grown in that time to over 50 players, with a solid reputation.

Unley Concert Band meets in the Unley Town Hall (with a grant from the Unley Council each year), on Wednesday evenings 7.30 -9.30pm. (Approximately 40 + rehearsals in the year). Our players range from 16 years old to 82 years. We are looking to grow the band to approximately 70 players. We ask everyone to bring their playing friends along too. Being a Community Band, there is no audition, however, the arrangement is that if you find the music too challenging, or not to your liking, you are able to cease your playing with the band quite happily.The Music Director has the right to ask a player to leave as well. The Band competes at State A Grade level, and registers with B Grade Nationally.

OCCASIONS TO PLAY

We usually play for Anzac Day (marching in the city), at least two concerts and friendly competitions of our own, a Bands festival in Strathalbyn in August, State Championships through South Australian Bands Association, with whom we are registered; hopefully and interstate concert or competition, the Credit Union Pageant in November and other Christmas pageants, (marching), as they earn good money for the band to buy music and equipment. There are always extra gigs during the year. Please pick up the programme for the year and be prepared for additions and changes.

COMMITTEE

President: David Corkindale (trombone)
Secretary: Brendan Kenny (Bass Drum)
Treasurer: Bryan Scherer (Saxophone)

The committee meets each month and an AGM is held in August of each year during a scheduled rehearsal.

UNIFORM

Our uniform was first used in 2004 for the National Championships in Launceston - a blue vest with Aboriginal motives and tie is provided for you from the Band. They team with your own white long-sleeve button up shirt, black pants, socks and shoes. A woven black 'acubra' style hat completes the summer uniform, provided by the band. Some members have black zip up jackets with Unley Concert band logo on the front. Your own black jacket will suffice in the meantime.

The uniform is currently under review. This is expected to be finalised prior to April 2011.

FEES

Band members pay $100 per annum, $20 of which goes to the uniform fund for future uniforms or $60 per annum for students and concession holders, $20 of which goes to the uniform fund.

The Treasurer will invoice when the fees are due. Please ensure that this is paid promptly for the financial well-being of the band. Those having financial difficulties can approach a member of the Executive Committee, preferably the Treasurer, to request alternate arrangements.

For players who come to play part way through the year may have a negotiated rate to be discussed with the Treasurer.

MUSIC FOLDERS

There are two folders from which we play.

1. A 3 ring blue folder contains the 'play out music' or entertainment music. Please ensure that your own folder is up to date. See the Librarian if you are missing any music.
2. The flat dark blue folder contains the repertoire currently being rehearsed and/or performed.

Under no circumstances are the members allowed to take band folders home. Please leave them in the suitcase/boxes so that the Librarian has access to them between rehearsals.

MUSIC STANDS

The band has some music stands that you can use, stored in the storeroom upstairs, however, you are encouraged to bring your own to ensure that the band stands stay in good condition for performances.

SETTING AND PACKING UP

We ask everyone to come by no later than 7.15pm on Wednesday evenings to assist in setting up the hall with chairs, percussion equipment, and a table for information, so that we can be ready for tuning and warm up exercises at 7.30pm. Percussion is setup from 7:00 pm.

CONTACT PERSON

A weekly roll is kept of attendance. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal or a performance, you are asked to contact the Secretary as soon as possible.

January 2, 2010