The words “band camp” may cause many to think of American Pie-esque shenanigans, but with the Werribee Concert Band, it’s a chance to have some good old-fashioned fun – and perform a gig or two.
The group spent the most recent Anzac Day long weekend camping at Horsham and performing in Ararat and Warracknabeal, and it’s now working towards celebrating its biggest milestone so far – the band’s 30th birthday.
The 35-member band will mark the milestone with a mid-year concert at the Wyndham Cultural Centre on July 30.
The band originated in the 1920s, beginning as the Werribee Brass Band. Later, it was the Werribee Municipal Band and, finally, the Werribee Concert Band.
The band performs regularly at events such as Christmas carols and Moomba and has members from across the western suburbs, the youngest aged 16, the oldest in his 80s.
President and euphonium player Samantha Garrick, who joined the group four years ago, says its strong social aspect is what makes it so successful.
“It can be hard to organise things that target all ages, but I think we do get that right a lot of the time,” she says.
One of the group’s newest members, symbol player Luke Pocock, helped the band out occasionally last year before officially joining two months ago. “The band gives you a sense of confidence and makes you willing to learn and strive to be better,” he says.
Percussionist Leah Di Fonzo adds: “It’s lots of fun, and everyone’s friends. It’s like a family environment.”
For more information about the Werribee Concert Band, go to werribeeconcertband.com
