Gunnedah to benefit from Wahroonga Public School Band's regional tour

The acclaimed Wahroonga Public School Band from Sydney will stop in Gunnedah on a three-day tour, with all entry fees to go to drought-stricken farming families.

The band will perform at the Gunnedah Band Hall on November 15 at 7.30pm and will combine with Gunnedah Shire Band for two pieces – In the Stillness and Pine Rivers March.

Wahroonga’s band coordinator Kate Spencer said she wanted to show the musicians “how music can meet community”.

”I want them to know it’s not just about practising, about being part of a team,” she said.

“The aim of the tour was really to reward the students for all their hard work and to support the drought-affected community and to give back to others.

“I want them to know if we can bring joy to others while we’re on tour, make people smile, that will make us very happy too.”

Ms Spencer said she had met members of the Gunnedah Shire Band at competitions and “I’ve always been really impressed with their ethic and their sense of community”.

“I really wanted our community to know that no matter where you are in the world, music can link community.”

The band coordinator said members of the Wahroonga band were also explaining Gunnedah’s drought situation to their peers and collecting donations for hampers. The hampers will be raffled off at the Gunnedah concert.

“They’re going around the school and explaining the drought situation and how that affects people, communities having to go without,” she said.

Ms Spencer said she was trying to help Sydney-siders understand that sometimes communities have to go without in drought and that could include music lessons. 

“I’ve always said to the students that we’re so fortunate to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument," she said.

Gunnedah band master Lawrence Rowe said he was looking forward to Wahroonga’s visit.

“I’m sure we’re going to hear some fantastic music,” he said.

“The fact that they’re coming up here to perform to raise money for farmers is an added onus as far as I’m concerned.

“We hope the town will get behind it for two reasons - to hear a good, young band perform and support the locals in drought.”

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Mr Rowe said the band’s visit would also be a good chance for the Gunnedah members to make new friends.

“Some of the friends I’ve got, I developed those friendships as a young boy in music so it develops strong and lasting friendships,” he said.

The Wahroonga band will also tour Tamworth, Quirindi, Muswellbrook and Scone. Tickets are available at the door for $10 per person or $20 per family.