Moree and District Band will undergo a restructure this year, thanks to funding from Moree Plains Shire Council.
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The band is one of four local groups to secure a grant from council's public donations fund for this quarter, receiving $3000 for the purchase of new instruments and lessons for members.
Moree and District Band president Shirley Reynolds said the restructure will help the band transition from a brass to a semi-concert band, making it financially easier for new members to join and learn an instrument.
"The band will no longer be able to use the bulk of their huge traditional brass band repertoire now, soon we will have nearly all new music plus a couple of different instruments," she said.
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"During the transition stage we will plan ahead and hopefully purchase saxophones as soon as required; at the moment we will need consumables and accessories, stands and new music straight away to enable the changes from brass to concert band.
"Tuition will be provided but learners will need to be committed.
"We have plenty of brass instruments but, as yet, no woodwinds are owned by the band, new players with their own instrument can begin immediately."
The band has been operating in Moree since 1885 and provides live music at multiple community events including Australia day, Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Christmas at Twilight.
The band has also represented Moree in various competitions and regularly provides music for Moree's aged-care residents to enjoy.
Mayor Katrina Humphries has indicated her support for the funding of the band, describing the group as an asset to the Moree community.
"Not all regional communities have the luxury of having a band that can play at various community events, so council felt it was important to support the restructure of the band to ensure we enjoy their music for many years to come," she said.
"I am excited to see the new direction the band will take this year and new sound they will create with the additional instruments and lessons."
Anyone interested in joining the Moree and District Band should contact either president Shirley Reynolds on 0407 936 076, musical director Jacqualyn Lillyman on 0488 140 581 or band member Marty Roberts on 0401 342 414.
All new members are welcome and players with their own instrument can begin immediately.