Introduction
Latrobe City Youth Band is a 30 piece concert band conducted by the band's music director, David Williams. The band also comprises a swing band. The youth band has reaped the benefits of performing at a wide variety of concerts since it was first formed in 2002. The level of the band's performance is well above normal school band. The band plays a range of music from grade 3 level through up to equivalent to first and second year university ensemble level.
Background
One of the key objectives of Latrobe City's international relations program is to extend community participation and involvement in all aspects of the sister cities program by promoting the concept of the program throughout the municipality. With this in mind, Latrobe City established the Latrobe City Youth Band in 2002 for the purpose of touring Council's Sister Cities of Takasago (Japan) and Taizhou (China).
From the drawing board to polished music ensemble, the Youth Band initiative has been an outstanding success. It has brought together talented instrumentalists, ranging in age from 14-21, from all socio-economic backgrounds within the municipality. It provides the City's youth with the opportunity for personal growth and enhanced musicianship as members of a 30-piece concert band.
As the Youth Band's major sponsor, Latrobe City Council promotes the band as the "City's own" to unify the municipality and instil civic pride.
Community Involvment
The level of community involvement has been enormous from the outset, examples of which include:
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Australia Day Mega Concert
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Performance at Moe Jazz Festival
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Orchestra Victoria Performance
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Performance at Japanese Day
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Performance at Carols by Candlelight
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Commonwealth Games Live Site Opening Ceremony
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Space and Place Performance
Past Achievements
- Three full concerts in Latrobe City which attracted a total audience of 1,500 people in 2003 and 2004.
- In 2004, the band gave 5 performances and played to a total audience which numbered over 10,000 in Taizhou City, China.
- The joint concert with the local high schools in Takasago City, Japan in 2004
- Tour of Central Victoria in 2005.
- Performance at Castlemaine Music Festival in 2005
Repertoire
Grade 4 & 5 band levels
Rehearsal
Sunday every fortnight
1.00pm – 4.00pm
Lowanna College, 75 – 92 Newark Ave, Newborough
Contact Details
Yuki Poole
International Relations Officer
Latrobe City Council
PO Box 264
MORWELL 3840
PH: 1300 367 700
FAX: (03) 5128 5672
Email: yukipo@latrobe.vic.gov.au
Application for Audition
If you are interested in joining the Youth Band please complete the following application and send to Latrobe City's International Relations Officer.
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