Tuggerah Lakes Showband

Tuggerah Lakes Showband has been a community brass band since 1946. Since that time, children have been taught to play brass instruments free of charge, using only volunteer labour or money raised by the band or the ladies auxiliary.

Recently, the committee decided to continue in that spirit in order to entice children to learn a musical instrument and how to read music. After being successful in obtaining a council community grant, a drive to find interested participants was started. The grant enabled the group to buy Woodwind instruments to give to the children. There had already been extra brass instruments available, which have now been put to good use. The emphasis is on making this opportunity available to all children, not just to those whose parents can afford expensive fees. Parents pay minimal fees and a small bond for the instrument and are very appreciative of this initiative. The participating children attend seven different schools both public and private.

Under the tutelage of David Markham and Kevin Smith, who are working for the Central Coast Conservatorium, as well as Tuggerah Lakes Band members, Mitchell Lowe and Tom Williamson, the children’s progress has been amazing. And they are having plenty of fun too! The group are also grateful to Patrick Brennan, Artistic Director at the Conservatorium, for his guidance in getting the training band started, and the local council, whose support allowed them to offer the program at an affordable cost.

For further information about the band go to http://www.tuggerahlakesshowband.org.au.