A musical showcase

The Hobsons Bay City Band members Cathy Finn, Murray Smith, Hannah Prouse and Roger Lewis. (Damjan Janevski) 424372_02

The musical talents of the Hobsons Bay City Band will be on show at the Altona City Theatre on Sunday, when the band takes the stage for its annual concert.

Band members have been preparing for the performance for the past three to four months under the guidance of musical director Wayne Bowden.

Band vice president and French horn player Roger Lewis said the concert was shaping up to be a great showcase.

“There are some really challenging pieces. It’s been a huge effort,” he said.

“The annual concert is where we deliver the really challenging work. It is where we really get to show what we can do.”

Lewis said the concert would feature music which would appeal to people of all ages, with the band to perform Frank Sinatra hits, music from Wicked the musical and modern pieces such as Fanfare for the Next Generation, among other works.

He said the piece which stood out for him was Vesuvius, which he described as a piece written for a concert band.

“It’s very percussive and dynamic with beautiful melodies throughout,” he said.

“Everyone has a starring role in this one.”

Sunday’s concert will feature about 28 of the band’s members playing reed, brass and percussion instruments.

Lewis, who has been in the band for 10 years, said members ranged in age from young students to seniors in their 80s.

“There is no age limit, it is all about the music,” he said.

The Hobsons Bay City Band annual performance is at Altona City Theatre on August 25, from 3pm. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for concession and are available at the door.

Details: hbcb.org.au

Laura Michell