BRAVING the heat, the local Redland City Bands gathered at Wellington Point, transforming the natural landscape into an amphitheatre to perform for residents.
Incorporated in 1984, Redland City Bands is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation boasting 135 members of all ages, genders, and musical abilities.
As they celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2024, the band is committed to reaching as many members of the Redlands community as possible through a series of performances across the region.
This year alone, they have already entertained residents with free public concerts at Russell and Macleay Islands over the May long weekend and on the Raby Bay Harbour foreshore.
Musical director Peter Francis shared that the band was eager to host another free concert for the community, choosing Wellington Point Reserve – a beautiful and popular weekend spot in the Redlands – as the perfect venue.
“Whilst a hot day, we managed to find a perfect playing location under the trees – which offered shade and formed a natural amphitheatre to ensure our sound reached as many people as possible out enjoying their Saturday afternoon,” he said.
“The band played excellently and received many positive compliments from those in attendance.”
Peter said highlights of the day included a Jackson 5 medley, Baba Yetu, and a crowd favourite – the Raiders March.
“The selection of well-known music ensured the crowd was engaged and even those ‘passing through’ stopped for a few moments to enjoy the music,” he said.
“Seeing Councillor Boglary come to support us gave the players a particular buzz.”
Redland City Bands aims to foster a supportive, creative environment where musicians of all levels can learn, play, and enjoy music together, while delivering first-class performances for the Redlands community.
Offering three concert bands for beginner, intermediate, and advanced musicians, as well as two jazz bands, members rehearse weekly to bring high-quality entertainment to concerts, dances, and community events throughout the year.
“We endeavour to keep the membership fee low to ensure cost is no barrier to participation,” Peter said.
“Redland City Bands welcomes playing members of all ages and abilities to join one (or all) of our bands – there a no auditions required.”
