Esplanade to host Busselton Brass festive concert

Busselton Brass will play a festive concert at the Esplanade Hotel on Sunday December 17.

This concert is the last of 24 performances for the busy band this year.

The Busselton town band has a rich history, and has, apart from a couple of breaks during two world wars, practised and performed continuously since 1871.

Up until the 1950s the band was only open to men who wanted to play, but now about half of the members are women.

The band around 35 members aged from 15 to their mid 80s.

Over its long history the band has enjoyed considerable success.

Busselton Brass has the honour of being the first group ever to be awarded the freedom of the City of Busselton.

In 2012 Busselton Brass travelled to Sydney for the International Music Festival and returned with a gold medal after performing a Bach piece.

Vice-president of Busselton Brass Anne Howes said the band’s core principle has always been to engage the community with music.

“Any music improves your life, how can you live without music? ” she said.

Hymns and marches are the staple of most brass bands, however Busselton Brass plays all genres of music, and the group regularly adds to its extensive repertoire.

Each Anzac Day the musicians have a busy schedule as they perform first in Busselton, and then in Margaret River.

Current musical director Nicky Hair practises with the Band every Thursday evening at the Band Room behind the High Street Hall and welcomes new members and those interested.

The Busselton Brass Christmas Concert starts at 2pm at the Esplanade Hotel.

The concert will also feature guest artists No Strings Attached, a Busselton-based ukulele and string ensemble.