Join the band!
Are you interested in playing with one of the best concert bands in Australia? Our musicians come from many places: students from the Elder Conservatorium, regulars for local musical theatre productions, and music teachers, to name a few.
We’re always looking for new, high-level players to join our ensemble, and currently we would particularly welcome any brass players.
As a community ensemble we do not hold auditions for those looking to join the band. However, most of our repertoire is at Grade 7 AMEB and above, and as the standard of music in an A-grade band is very high, any interested players will be required to undergo a short trial period of several weeks before being asked to officially join the band.
If you’re interested in joining, please contact us through our Facebook page Unley Concert Band, or email our secretary at [email protected]. Interested players are also welcome to come along to a rehearsal, but as Unley spends much of the year rehearsing intensively for National or State Band Championships, a “come and try” rehearsal is not always possible.
Rehearsals
The band rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7.15pm – 9.45pm in the beautiful Unley Town Hall (located on Oxford Terrace, Unley, next to the Unley Civic Library).
Members are expected to arrive approximately 20 minutes before rehearsal to help set up and warm up.
We rehearse regularly throughout the year, with an extended break over the Christmas and New Year season.
Fees
Band members pay $110 per annum, or $75 per annum for students and concession holders. However, if you join partway through the year you can talk to our treasurer and organise a smaller amount on a pro rata basis.
Uniform
The band’s uniform includes black trousers, black shoes and socks, and a band shirt that is to be purchased by new members. Details on purchasing the band shirt will be given to new members, but we also have several spare shirts in stock for members who haven’t yet been able to purchase one.
Band members who choose to participate in marching will also be given a band hat to wear.
Marching
A much-loved activity within the Unley Concert Band is marching, as we regularly march at Christmas pageants, Band Championships, and other occasions.
All members are encouraged to march regardless of their level of experience. New players who wish to march will also be provided with free training by the band’s Drum Major and Deputy Drum Majors.
Marching rehearsals are at intermittent times throughout the year, but are often an hour before regular Wednesday evening rehearsals. Players who wish to join the marching band will need to buy a lyre for their instrument to hold music (these are inexpensive and readily available at music stores around Adelaide).
Any new players interested in marching are encouraged to email the secretary at [email protected], or talk to any of the committee during rehearsals for more details.