By Parker McKenzie
The Dandenong Ranges Music Council is extending an open invitation to creatives throughout the hills and beyond to have a say in its future direction.
On Sunday 25 June 2pm, a Question and Answer session with a panel made up of music experts will be held at 1451 Burwood Highway, in an effort to “share ideas, connect and engage in informal discussions about the future of music and possibilities to collaborate, create and promote musical projects.”
DRMC founder Beverley McAlister the panel represents diverse interests and musical expertise.
“People who come will hopefully tell us what can I see are the future needs, do we need a training plan, what does the orchestra need, what does the community need, do they want a kids band?” she said.
“For community music to survive, you’ve got to have a direction. I’m really looking forward to this event because I think it’s going to lift the lid off.”
The panel will feature Bernie Carter, Belinda Gillam-Derry, Dr Christina Green, Brian Hogg, Dave McFarlane, Rod McLeod, Tracey Roberts and Phil Smith.
Mr Hogg, who composes for an orchestra band for returning musicians and retirees, said he has been involved with the DRMC since the early 2000s as a music educator, composer, arranger and music director.
“I think one of the undervalued things is the community that builds with the group itself,” he said.
“It’s a very sociable group that is supportive and caring of one another.”
He said one of the biggest problems for the DRMC is letting people know opportunities to perform and grow as musicians exist.
“There are hidden things that community music making has to offer people that often isn’t considered,” Mr Hogg said.
“Mental health, social groupings, for a lot a people this is the best part of their day. Finding people who have similar interests is vitally important.”
The New Horizons band is just one of the initiatives, ensembles and projects run by the DRMC and has around 30 musicians of all ages and abilties, meeting weekly on Thursdays morning at the Tecoma Uniting Church Hall.
Lisa Chellis joined the New Horizons band because of her love of performing and music.
“I recently moved to Healesville and I’ve always been banding, I’ve always played instruments so I was looking for a new band,” Ms Chellis said.
“Brian is a magnificent conductor and teacher. I’ve worked with a lot of musical directors and he is by far the best one I’ve ever come across.”
She said the band offers her a welcoming environment to be able to perform.
Angela Edwards is another member of the New Horizons band, and she said as a beginner trumpet player, she wanted to join a band.
“I was absolutely terrified because there was no other trumpet that turned up on the day,” she said.
“I learned piano from when I was a young girl, so I could read music, but it was a new instrument.”
She said no matter what the initiative or the instrument, the DRMC was a great place to learn and have opportunities to grow as a musician.
The free panel will explore future opportunities for bands, initiatives and projects from the DRMC and allow local creatives and musicians to offer feedback for what they need in the hills.
Ms McAlister said the event is focused on looking into the future and what the DRMC can do for the local community to continue growing.
“I’m a bit scared of what we are going to learn, there may be projects that come out of this,” she said.
“There are groups that have stayed under the DRMC banner, like the New Horizons Band, and there are others that have started with us and now run themselves.”
For more information on the panel event and the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, visit drmc.org.au
