Our Bands

Conductor: David Wellman

The Beginner Concert Band (BCB) is an excellent entry-level concert band for musicians of all ages. The approximate equivalent AMEB level for BCB is Grade 1-2. This is a supportive environment for musicians to learn to play and perform within a group setting and can lead to moving into the Wind Ensemble when ready to play music at the next level. 

The Beginner Concert Band rehearses Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm to 8.30 pm under the direction of Mr David Wellman. The band plays at school fetes, outdoor concerts and at the end of year formal concert. The aim of this band at all times is to enjoy playing and developing skills in music, meet like-minded people and learn something new.

Conductor: Prof Nan Bahr

The Wind Ensemble (WE) is an intermediate level ensemble for members with some experience. The approximate equivalent AMEB level for WE is Grade 3-4. This ensemble is tasked with developing musicians’ skills in playing and performing. The repertoire consists of a variety of music including movie themes, hymns, wind band music and other popular charts written for concert bands. 

The Wind Ensemble rehearses Thursday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm under the direction of Professor Nan Bahr. The band has performed at various schools, entered eisteddfods and played at the opening of the Victoria Point Cinema Complex. It plays in parks around the city and at the formal end of year concert. Membership of the Wind Ensemble covers all age groups and comes from all around the city including the bay islands.

Conductor: Louise McGill

The Concert Band (CB) is an advanced level band for experienced musicians. The approximate equivalent AMEB level for CB is Grade 5+. The band performs a repertoire of music including symphonic concert band arrangements, hymns, marches and show tunes. Community concerts are hosted throughout the year and the band performs with other bands and ensembles from Southeast Queensland to promote musical excellence in a family fun environment. 

The Concert Band rehearses Wednesday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm under the direction of Louise McGill. The band has entered national band competitions and many eisteddfods with excellent results. The Concert Band plays a wide and varied repertoire including modern and classical pieces, marches and hymns.

Director: Dr David Salisbury

The Big Band (BB) is an intermediate to advanced level band that performs music of multiple styles including Jazz, Latin, early swing and pop charts written by composers such as Glenn Miller, Gordon Goodwin, Count Basie and many others. Dances are organised throughout the year where the band performs multiple styles with vocalists. This band also performs at the Brisbane Big Band Festival, Redfest, and other jazz festivals as opportunities arise. The approximate equivalent AMEB level for BB is Grade 5+. 

The Big Band rehearses Monday nights from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm under the direction of Dr David Salisbury. It caters for competent adult musicians of all ages who have an interest in playing a variety of music with a big band concept. This band has a line up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, guitars, drums and keyboard and a mix of experienced jazz players and some that have joined from the other concert bands.

Coordinator: Ken Chow

The Smith Street Jazz Band (SSJB) performs a diverse repertoire of jazz  ensemble music, rooted in Dixieland and swing traditions while  progressively exploring a broader range of styles, including bebop, hard  bop, and modern jazz compositions. The group plays intermediate to  advanced charts, with a strong emphasis on improvisation, a defining  element of jazz music.  

The ensemble, which includes a vocalist, rehearses on Monday evenings  from 5:30pm to 7:00pm under the direction of Ken Chow. Players are  typically drawn from the Big Band and have improvisational ability. As a  smaller ensemble, SSJB is well suited to a variety of settings,  including functions, birthdays, private events, and public performances  where a jazz style is desired.