Scraggers are back!

How wonderful for the residence of the West to hear brass on their evening stroll along the Maribyrnong River. As the city opens up, stay tuned for the return of performances by the band.

LT

Wow- what an incredible night we’ve had: a productive rehearsal preparing for the Bendigo Comps, but also an awards ceremony too!

FYCB & WB Life Members Awards

VBL Membership Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band Awards

The band are very pleased with our results from the online nationals 2021.

The competition was online this year and streamed over the Easter weekend by the wonderful Tim from brassbanned.com

Due to the massive interruption to rehearsals in 2020-21 the decision was made by the NSW bands association not to rank the bands, but award either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze for each submission. Bands could enter whichever pieces in their section that they wanted to. The most popular sections ended up being the sacred item and stage march.

FYCB were the only A grade brass band in the country to enter all four sections, and the only A grade band from Victoria to enter. Given the huge Melbourne lockdowns last year, we are so proud to have achieved this.

FYCB results:

Own Choice Major Work: Bronze

Concert Item: Silver

Sacred Item: Silver

Stage March: Silver

Our four performances can be watched on this playlist.

 

LT 🙂

The mighty Scraggers performed alongside Hannah Gadsby and Zoë Coombs Marr on Sunday 14th of March. The crowd were treated to an upbeat, dance-filled Village People medly.

 

 

We have had a very successful weekend of recording for our Nationals entries. Our repertoire includes:

March: The Wizard

Concert Item: Procession to the Minster

Sacred Item: Gammal Fäbodpsalm från Dalarna

Major Work: Spectrum

 

Listen in over Easter to watch our performances

 

LT

So far this year the band have been working towards recording four works to submit for the 2021 Online National Bands Championship.

March: The Wizard

Concert Item: Procession to the Minster

Sacred Item: Gammal Fäbodpsalm från Dalarna

Major Work: Spectrum

As well as our regular Monday and Thursday rehearsals we’ve had a couple of weekend rehearsals and a handful of sectionals. Dedication paired with a positive attitude has lead to great sounds and much fun (see below)

 

Louisa Trewartha MD

Williamstown Treated to the Sounds of Brass

A massive congratulations to members of Western Brass, Footscray-Yarraville City Percussion Academy, and Footscray-Yarraville City Band on their performances on Saturday 19th of December at the Williamstown Foreshore Rotunda. This was Western Brass’ MD Jared McCunnie’s first conducting gig with his band, having been appointed back in February.

FYCB will now be working towards the Nationals recording sessions. Can’t wait!

Louisa MD

Finally Band… Not Banned

Following the COVID-normal guidelines the band has been able to meet in-person for the first time since March. Working in ensembles the band played Christmas carols, much to the delight of many park-goers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The band has continued to shine online, adapting quickly to online meetings since March, 2020.

In Term 2 we met for warm-ups and recorded weekly challenges, keeping each other motivated during the difficult period.

Throughout Term 3, having gone into lockdown No. 2, the band partook in the Halfa With a Master series. This was a series of 30 minute interviews with 10 professional musicians from around the world who donated their time to chat to host Louisa and the band about all things music: routine, career stories, tools for performance anxiety, repertoire ideas and more. We are so grateful to all the Masters who took the time to chat with us!

In Term 4 we are continuing warm ups and being mentored by three professional musicians in their area of expertise: high brass, low brass, and percussion. Each month band members submit a recording of a piece to receive feedback on. Repertoire themes include: October- articulation and/ or dynamics, November- lyricism, December- own choice.

Now that restrictions are easing, we hope to be playing together soon!

What a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

The combined band played a 45 minute set of entertainment items for a crowd of brass band fans and visitors (aka newly converted brass band fans.) We were spoiled with a chocolate tasting that showcased the huge range available. Thanks to Marc Nethercot from Northern Brass for the invitation to perform and to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for having us.