TWO music teachers are leading the push to restart a Beaudesert community band, which has been non-existent for a number of years.
Ally Steindl and Jane Kruger, who have a combined 36 years of music teaching experience, put the idea out into a Facebook group with an immediate and enthusiastic response.
“It started from a really simple Facebook post asking if Beaudesert had a community band, and I replied saying I’d be interested in getting one going,” Mrs Steindl said.
“Within three days we had 16 people committed, just from that one post.”
Mrs Steindl said Beaudesert had a band many years ago but it had not operated for some time.
“There was one and it was really successful,” she said.
“It went to competitions and played around locally.”
The new community band, now called the Beaudesert Band-its, has a strong mix of instruments that Mrs Steindl positively describes as ‘bizarre’ due to the balance of sound already emerging.
“The mix of instruments we already have is really good,” she said.
“We’ve got flutes, saxophones, bassoon, trombone, drums, violin, even bass guitar so it’s already shaping up really well.”
The band is open to anyone who can read sheet music, and there is no age limit or cap on numbers.
“A lot of people have told us they haven’t played for years, but once you can read music, it never really goes away,” Mrs Steindl said.
Mrs Steindl said the band is aiming to perform their first public performance on Anzac Day this year, with the repertoire to include national anthems and one hymn.
“All going well, that will be our first performance and a really special milestone for the group,” she said.
“It gives us something to work towards right from the start.”
Mrs Steindl said community bands had long been an important part of country towns, offering opportunities for musicians of all ages to stay connected and continue playing.
“It brings people together who might not necessarily meet each other otherwise, but who share a common interest,” she said.
Musicians interested in joining the Beaudesert Band-Its are encouraged to register their interest by calling Mrs Steindl on 0419 668 774 or Ms Kruger on 0408 865 170.
