About Us

History

barry

Founder Barry Rodgers

The formation of the Buderim Concert Band was the result of one man's vision. Barry Rodgers believed that Buderim should have its own community band. He established the Band in 1998 largely from school leavers with some older members joining in. It was originally named the Buderim Community Concert Band and was affiliated with the Buderim War Memorial Community Association.

Soon after, John Hadlow was invited to be Musical Director and Conductor. Both Barry and John had extensive Australian Army band experience and John introduced the band to parade marching. The Band's first performance was on Anzac Day, 1998.

Sadly, Barry passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, on Sunday 21st February, 2021. He will be missed by musicians from all parts of the Sunshine Coast and beyond. The current members are privileged to continue his legacy.

In 2004, the name of the Band was changed to its present name: Buderim Concert Band. In 2005, it was incorporated as a separate entity although it maintained its collaborative ties with the Buderim War Memorial Community Association.

The numbers of the Band has fluctuated over the years but currently consists of around 30 playing members, as well as support members. We are now finding second generation musicians coming along with their parents which put the Band in a strong position for the future. Some of the younger members have gone on to study music at a tertiary level and now have professional careers.

Between 2002 and the present, the Band has had several changes of Musical Director with many highly qualified conductors filling the role. Our current Musical Director is Mr Peter Blyth, who joined us in mid 2020. Peter had been a long time musical director of the Ryde Concert Band in NSW, and brings a wealth of talent and experience to our band.

Players who are returning to music after a long absence, or musicians wishing to learn to play an alternative instrument are welcome to join the band.

New members are always welcome, from the novice to the very experienced. Our friendly family atmosphere is conducive to young players, and support for the less experienced is second to none. Players are encouraged to stay for refreshments at the end of each rehearsal.