The concert will held at the Gunnedah Band Hall from 2pm-3.15pm, with the proceeds to go towards the cost of travelling by coach to Melbourne on March 29. 

Band master Laurence Rowe said the concert helps the players to practice playing before an audience.

“It puts players under performance pressure where nerves and the importance of doing your best, regardless of what may go wrong, is important,” he said.

“The concert also allows family members, unable to travel to Melbourne, and band supporters the opportunity to hear the band before they head off.”

At the 2018 nationals, the junior A grade band will defend the title of brass band champions for the fifteenth year, with 36 musicians to play.

READ MORE: Band successfully defends title | Photos & Video

“They will be defending the title they first won in Geelong in 2002. Twenty members will also be competing in solo events across the full range of brass instruments,” Mr Rowe said.

The band has been preparing since late last year, with an increased focus since January this year.

“We are hopeful the band will do well,” the band master said.

“As always we have a number of new players being integrated into the band. They always have a massive learning curb, but with assistance from the more experienced players, and a lot of hard work, progress is rapid and very satisfying to see. All going well I am sure the kids will give another great performance.

“We were sadly unable to field a band to compete in the open B grade section of this year’s nationals. We have, however, decided to consolidate and work hard towards taking a band to compete in the open B grade section of 2018 State Band Championships.”