Thanks to Resonator Music in Ballina, the first Battle of the Concert Bands is coming to the Northern Rivers for #MakeMusicDay2021 on Sunday 20 June.
On social media, Resonator Music say their vision has been to create ‘a music hub that caters for the “forgotten” musicians, the busy #musicteachers, the amateurs, and the #professionalmusicians, and even the musicians with limited mobility.
‘As #localssupportinglocals, we want to allow the community to be part of what we do. And amazingly enough, our dream has come true… This year we will create the first Battle of the Concert Bands!’
Ballina Concert Band’s leader Laurie Green told The Echo, ‘The idea developed out of a phone call from Daniel at Resonator Music. They had put on shows in the past, but realised that amateur/community band musicians are often left out.
‘COVID-19 hit the music industry pretty hard, pros and amateurs alike and Daniel wanted to get community musicians and bands involved in something that would say. “Hey! we are still here! and we are still making music!”
‘World Music Day seemed like the perfect opportunity,’ said Mr Green.
Celebrating the power of music
According to Resonator Music, ‘A strong desire was expressed during our monthly #freeevents to create something unique with a sense of place that reflects the power of the music in our community.’
The result will be on show to the public on Sunday 20 June from 10am-2pm at Resonator Music, which is in the Ballina Homemaker Centre at 26 Boeing Avenue, not far from the airport.
The program will kick off at 10am with the Tweed Coast Band, then there will be a supporting act (to be announced) before the main event, The Battle of the Bands, featuring a knockout, drag-out contest between fierce Northern Rivers rivals Ballina Concert Band and Lismore City Concert Band.
Who will survive?
Ballina band-leader Laurie Green is bravely downplaying the musical danger ahead.
‘Will it be a battle? Nah,not really.’ he said. ‘We all like each other too much to be doing battle. There will be some good music played by Ballina Shire Concert Band, Tweed Coast Band and Lismore City Concert Band.
‘There will be some good-natured rivalry, some entertaining tunes and maybe a bit of musical skullduggery. Ballina Shire Concert Band has been doing its thing since 1883 so if it does turn into a battle, Ballina has experience on its side!’
At time of publication, Lismore band-leader Ben van Kleef had not provided The Echo with any fighting words to put the fear of music into his opposite number Laurie Green. Perhaps he’s going to let his band do the talking?
