Tanunda Town Band - Academy of Music

The ‘Academy of Music’s’ formation was formally announced at the 2005 Melodienacht.

Prior to the announcement of the Academy, much preparation and planning had taken place to ensure success. This firstly included ensuring that a large range of brass musical instruments were available and that the infrastructure was there to support the teaching of brass instruments to anyone, of any age.

The official launch of the Academy took place on 15 June 2005 and attracted quite a number of interested Barossa residents. Attendees were shown the various instruments available for loan and then invited to stay for a rehearsal by the full Tanunda Town Band.

By August 2005 and after just a few months, a group of approximately 12 - 15 young people now gather in the band-room each Thursday night at 6.30 pm for a one hour rehearsal under the baton of Kathy Cameron.

Behind the scenes, the budding musicians enjoy the support of the Barossa’s preeminent Brass Band.

This includes:

• The largest possible range of brass instruments in the Barossa available free of charge to loan.
• Music tuition, in a supportive friendly group environment. Again free.
• Support from senior members of the Tanunda Town Band.
• The infrastructure and resources from South Australia’s only ‘A’ Grade Regional Brass Band.

As Kathy Cameron said: ‘Where else would you get a free instrument on loan and free music tuition’.

From the Tanunda Town Bands perspective the idea of the Academy was something often talked about. There was the acknowledgment that the lack of a supporting band to the main Tanunda Band was leaving us vulnerable. As a truly regional brass band without the luxury of a large metropolitan city to draw membership, the issue of nurturing brass musicians that will eventually feed through to the senior band was acknowledged as important.

All this sound in the knowledge, that music in the Barossa is an integral part of the community.

We’re truly excited as to the progress thus far of the band’s Academy of Music.

If you are have any questions or are interested in joining the Academy contact Thomas Ludi in Tanunda on 0438 630 314 or Eric Molenaar on 0438 089 215.

If you have any enquiries, they may be e-mailed to: academy@tanundatownband.com

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