Welcome

to

St John Ambulance Concert Band

Who are we?

St John Ambulance Concert Band, formerly known as Brisbane Citizens Concert Band, is a community concert band which was founded in 1919 by music store owner Mr Albert Kaeser.  Mr Kaeser conducted the band for nearly 50 years and the band's original practice venue was in his music store in George Street.    

Our Members

The band is currently comprised of approximately 30 musicians.  Our current members range in age from 18 to 80+ and come from a diverse range of backgrounds and interests.  Current members include professional musicians, teachers, teacher aides, doctors, nurses, engineers, landscape architects, postal workers and students.

Our Conductor

The band is conducted by Major Ivan Cocking.

Our Musical Repetoire

Musical repetoire performed by the band includes popular,  classical and jazz arrangements, marches, overtures, tv and movie themes, and arrangements from operas, Broadway and musical theatre shows.

Performance Opportunities

St John Ambulance Concert Band is a member of the Brisbane Metropolitan Bands Association and is involved in the Brisbane City Council "Bands in the Parks" music program.  The program provides free music on a Sunday afternoon in suburban parks all over Brisbane.  The band is generally rostered to perform one Sunday a month in a suburban park.  The band also plays annually at the Saluting Base for the Anzac Day parade in the city and at the St John Ambulance Australia Annual Inspection and Church Service held on the front lawn of Government House Queensland.  The band also performs at street festivals, retirement villages, music festivals and other special events. 

Concert Band Instrumentation

Standard concert band instruments include:- flute, piccolo, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba, mallet percussion, auxillary percussion and drumkit. 

How to Join

Membership is open to any member of the community with an interest in playing in a concert band and a reasonable playing standard on a concert band instrument.  The recommended minimum playing standard is AMEB Grade 5 to 6.  A formal audition is not required, however interested persons will need to have an informal discussion with the band's Musical Director to confirm their suitability for the band. 

Persons interested in joining the band are warmly invited to attend a rehearsal to meet the Musical Director, players and management committee.  Bring your instrument and sit in with the band or simply come along, sit back, watch and listen.    

Cost 

Membership Fees are $50 per half year.

You will need to supply your own instrument. 

The band's summer uniform is a red polo shirt, black trousers, and a white hat with red band. You will need to purchase the polo shirt and hat from the band.  The combined cost of shirt and hat is $50.  

Rehearsal Details

When: every Thursday night

Time: 7.30 pm till 9.30pm

Place: St John Ambulance Training Centre

        Boyd Park, Nundah

        Access is via Primrose Lane off Boyd Road

        UBD ref: Map 140, Grid L1  (behind Nundah Library)

Supper is provided (tea/coffee and biscuits)