“We’re basically putting a call out for people who might want to join and play. And we’re also asking others who might have an old instrument such as a saxophone, clarinet or flute tucked away in a cupboard or sitting under a bed that they’ve never played or no longer play, to consider helping us out,” she said.
“There are plenty of people who might have thought about having a go at playing these types of instruments but been turned away by the potential cost.
“We want to be able to encourage more participation by being able to loan out more instruments.
“We believe you shouldn’t be prevented from playing music because you can’t afford to.
“We’re already involved in projects encouraging people to learn an instrument.
“One involves a lending program with Horsham Primary School, where many of the brass instruments the children are using belong to the band.”
Mrs Beltz, a self-confessed ‘roadie’ but with a family full of musicians, said the band’s transition started with the appointment of a new band master last year and a desire to regenerate the organisation.
“The band is quite young, with the eldest in their 50s and many others in their late teens to 30s,” she said.
“We’ve been doing a lot of open rehearsals in different halls across the district where people can come in and watch.
“People can expect our new-sounding Horsham Rural City Band to present a considerably expanded repertoire as part of the shift in direction.”
People keen to help in providing instruments to the band or keen to join the band can call Mrs Beltz on 0439 826 187.
“The more the merrier,” she said.
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