Return to 'About the Sunshine Coast Concert Band'
Photo library
New name for Caloundra Concert Band
February 16 , 2005
The 45-piece Caloundra City Concert Band, which has raised almost $100,000 for charities across the coast, has changed its name to the Sunshine Coast Concert Band.
 |
The new name better reflects the diversity of their members as well as representing the communities that benefit from their fundraising efforts. Band members have joined from across the coast since the band was started in 1996 and it is their passion for music that has resulted in outstanding fundraising for coast community projects and charities.
“We felt that we were limiting ourselves by having a name linked only to one shire when many of our efforts and members represent other areas on the coast,” said Ken Chadwick, musical director of the band.
“The Caloundra City Council has been very supportive of the band and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them. We believe that by including the other Sunshine Coast shires under our banner, we can achieve even great things for communities and charities across the coast.”
The musicians in the band come from a variety of walks of life including teachers, nurses, accountants, students and professional musicians. Members range in age from 14 to 80 and they all have one thing in common – their love and dedication to music.
The success of the band is largely due to this dedication which sees them playing at about ten to twelve charity concerts per year. Additionally, they also host three dances a year to raise funds to cover the band's ongoing costs.
The Sunshine Coast Concert Band's next concert, on Sunday, March 13 at the Kawana Community Hall will raise funds for the Nambour Special School and will feature local Irish entertainer, Ken O'Flaherty and Allan Winter.
“The wonder of the band is that people who play musical instruments are given the an opportunity to do what they long to do - to get together with other musicians and make music!” Ken said.
“It's a real community band and the camaraderie is extremely high,” added Val, his wife who is also the band's keyboard player. “Professional orchestras sometimes lose the love of performing together, but the Sunshine Coast Concert Band is all about enjoyment and people coming together to do what they love.”
For more information on the band and their upcoming concerts, please call Val on 5450 6680.
Ends.