If you’ve noticed the streets of Ballan grow a little louder in the last 12 months, it may be the handiwork of the Ballan Community Street Band, which has just celebrated its first birthday.
With the assistance of a grant of $2,900 from Moorabool Shire Council’s Community Grant’s
Program, the Ballan Community Street Band was established in early 2023, with its first practice session on February 6.
Band co-founder Professor Oliver Hinton has been trumpeting the success of the bands first year.
“The Ballan Community Street Band is a classic mixed street band which are one of the wonders of the musical world,” he said.
“Our music is informal, includes many genres, and we dress up as part of our street entertainment. All of the dozen members are amateur musicians from the local community, playing a range of acoustic instruments.”
Professor Hinton’s proudest moments for the band include the “unknown challenge” of the bands first gig at the Moorabool Mushroom Festival which went “fantastically well”, and a “wild” gig in May inside the Gordon cafe for their Bohemian Gathering.
Moving forward the band is excited to be playing in the Ballan Autumn Parade on March 17, CresFest on April 7, on the streets of Creswick, and potentially a spot at White Night Ballarat on June 1.
Professor Hinton said the group is keen to hear from acoustic instrumentalists who want to join in on the fun.
“Whether you already play regularly, or you have an instrument that’s been gathering dust for a few years, bring it along and have a play – It’s much more fun and motivating playing with others than playing by yourself,” he said.
“We’re especially looking for additional saxophones, and for street drummers and percussionists. We have made arrangements that can suit any level of skill, except for absolute beginners.
“Don’t be shy! Come along and give it a try!”
Details: oli.hinton@gmail.com
