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Youth Band wows crowds in Central VictoriaPlaying before a capacity audience at Monday’s 2005 Castlemaine State Festival was the highlight of a recent tour through Central Victoria by the Latrobe City Youth Band. By City of Latrobe - 8th April 2005 - Back to News Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed said that the 23 talented young musicians also performed in Ballarat during the tour.
"However, it was their midday performance in Castlemaine’s Victory Park that was the high point of the successful trip away.
"The band’s performance was applauded by an audience which increased in numbers as the band played through their full repertoire. Festival organisers had promoted the performance as an opportunity for everyone to grab their lunch, find a comfortable spot and relax.
"This worked beautifully as the weather was fine, the gardens were in full bloom and the music was captivating. The band’s combined talent was absorbed by an appreciative audience," Cr Lougheed explained.
As one of Australia’s most successful and enduring cultural events, the Castlemaine State Festival started 30 years ago. This year’s festival was a showcase of artistic creativity and diversity with performances covering music, theatre, ballet and the visual arts.
According to Cr Lougheed, the band tour was planned to provide greater experience and exposure for the youth band beyond Latrobe City.
"In January 2004, the band featured in a successful tour of our sister cities in Japan and China. This has been followed by local performances which have included the Moe Jazz Festival, Celebration of Roses, Australia Day celebrations and supporting last year’s George Dreyfuss Concert at Kernot Hall," Cr Lougheed added.
"This most recent tour, under the musical direction of David Williams, included performances in the Bridge Street Mall and in the Lake Wendouree Gardens in Ballarat as a prelude to Castlemaine. These performances allowed the band to adapt to another set of circumstances," Cr Lougheed explained.
"In fact, this recent trip was so successful that we are now in early discussions about a possible interstate tour next year, a further chance to show off the band’s musical ability," Cr Lougheed added.
"As young ambassadors for Latrobe City, these young and accomplished instrumentalists highlight what can be achieved with encouragement, dedication and commitment," Cr Lougheed concluded.
Sponsorship of the band has been generously supplied by Australian Paper, Monash University, Chris Humphrey’s Office Systems and Wights Motorworld.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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