Get to Know Us
Boroondara Symphonic Band Incorporated was originally formed as the Balwyn Youth Concert Band in 1980 by the Rotary Club of Balwyn. It was, and still is, a community initiative to promote the enjoyment of Symphonic Band music. The Band changed its name in early 1998 to reflect its stage of development and significance to the community of Boroondara.
These days, the main aim of the Band is to provide an opportunity for musicians of all ages to perform and participate in a community environment. The Band provides opportunities for developing self- confidence, teamwork skills, meeting new people and performing music from a wide repertoire including Jazz, Classical and Concert Band music.
Symphonic Band repertoire is bold and exciting, and demands high standards of performance from Woodwind, Brass and Percussion instrumentalists. The number of Australian compositions for concert bands is slowly developing and are performed and promoted by the Band where possible.
Music Director
Joshua Geddes was appointed as the Music Director of the Boroondara Symphonic Band in December 2014. He completed his Masters of Music studies at the University of Melbourne, where he studied conducting under the mentorship of Professor John Hopkins OBE, OAM. He has also participated in Masterclasses in the UK and Europe with leading conducting teachers from the Sibelius Academy (Finland), Royal Academy of Music (London) and Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester).
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In 2014 Joshua was selected to take part in the 12th Interaktion Conducting Workshop in Berlin where he conducted an orchestra made up of some of the best musicians in German orchestras including members of the Berlin Philharmonic and Berlin Staatskapelle.
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Joshua regularly works in Europe and has conducted orchestras including the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Bulgarian State Opera Bourgas, and the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra (Czech Republic). In Australia he has worked with the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, Preston Symphony Orchestra, and Zelman Memorial Symphony. He has been Musical
Director for the City of Glen Eira Band, Kyneton Band, the Hyde St. Youth Band and conductor of the London Consort of Winds Classical Ensemble and currently is the Musical Director of the Bendigo and District Concert Band.
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In May 2016, Joshua was awarded the Rosemary and John Hopkins Award for Conductors.
Coming up in 2020
We look forward to getting together again soon!
Providing we are able to, we look forward to presenting
the following concerts for the remainder of 2020,
but stay tuned for confirmation.
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Sunday 13th September, 2:30pm at the Hawthorn Town Hall
40th Anniversary Concert
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Sunday 13th December, 2:30pm at Holy Trinity Church Kew
December Concert
Past Concerts
Gallery
Concerts at Holy Trinity Kew
Out and About
Blast from the Past - History of the Boroondara Symphonic Band and the Balwyn Youth Concert Band (1980-present)
Our Beginnings and first concert
On Tour
Albury-Wodonga Tour 1992
Vale Colin Harris
Mt Eliza Rehearsal Camp 1997
20 July 1960 – 31 May 2014
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Boroondara Symphonic Band is deeply saddened by the loss of our Music Director Colin Harris. Colin’s contribution to community music and his dedication to the development of a quality band were outstanding. Colin was a wonderfully caring and encouraging teacher, mentor and friend.
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Colin Harris was appointed Music Director of Boroondara Symphonic Band at the commencement of 2001. Colin had a long association with community bands in Melbourne, having previously conducted the Balwyn Youth Concert Band, Kew Youth Band and the Eltham Concert Band.
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As a performer he was a playing member of various ensembles, including the Beaufort Municipal Band, Ballarat City Brass Band, Kew Band and the Grainger Wind Symphony.
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Colin was a classroom music teacher at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School for many years and in 2005 he was the recipient of an “Award of Excellence” from the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (ABODA) in recognition of his conducting achievements. In addition, Colin was Chief Instructor at the annual Wimmera Bands Group Music School.
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Boroondara Symphonic Band continues to provide quality programs to our audiences.
Joining BSB
Anyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun with the band. Membership is open to all ages.
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Rehearsals are Friday nights during school term from 7:30pm to 10pm. Rehearsals are in the Kew East Music Centre at Kew East Primary School in Beresford Street, Kew East
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More information on joining is available in the information pack or contact us below
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Contact Us
Use the above form to email us or call Barry on 0419 525 072