THE Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band stepped up preparations for next month’s NSW State Band Championships with an intensive workshop held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July.
The prestigious championships are being held on 23 August.
Led by Musical Director Amy Corrigan, the band is preparing to compete in the C Grade concert band category for the first time, following their standout first-place in D Grade at the 2023 National Band Championships.
Band members were joined by internationally-renowned trumpeter and educator Sarah Butler as guest clinician for the weekend.
Sarah is the former Principal Trumpet of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and a graduate from Trinity College of Music London with a master’s degree awarded with distinction.
Having performed with major UK ensembles including the Royal Opera House Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah now calls Port Macquarie home.
“We [were] so pleased to have Sarah Butler on board for this workshop,” said Mrs Corrigan.
“Her experience, especially as someone of her calibre now living in our local community, brings real value at this stage of our preparation.
“Her insight is helping us refine the final details of the performance, and our players are rising to the challenge.”
The contest program features three challenging and expressive works: Southern Hymn by Samuel R. Hazo, Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons by Steven Reineke, and The Saint and the City by Jacob de Haan.
As the only community concert band competing between Newcastle and the Queensland border, the Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band is proud to represent the Mid North Coast at the state level.
Their journey can be followed on their Facebook page as the band moves closer to championship day.
By Sis HIGGINS
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