Band strikes up to aid Legacy

The Band of the Royal Military College performed the first concert in its 2023 Masterworks for Winds series on May 20, raising funds for Legacy and continuing to build on its enduring relationship with the Australian National University (ANU) School of Music.

CAPTION: The Royal Military College Band perform their first concert at Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University, Canberra, as part of a Masterworks for Winds series. Story by Corporal Corporal Lenore Evans. Photos by Leading Seaman Jarrod Mulvihill.

The band takes to the stage at Llewellyn Hall each year to perform two concerts in a series entitled Masterworks for Winds.

Music director of the band Major Matt O’Keeffe said the performances were cherished by band members and audiences alike for the unique music featured, written specifically for wind bands.

“The concerts form the basis of the educational partnership with the ANU, offering music students from their school of music a rare opportunity to work closely with a professional ensemble and, in turn, highlighting the Army as a potential career path,” Major O’Keeffe said.

As part of their participation in these concerts, the students attend a number of rehearsals with the band and are mentored by experienced Army musicians.

It provides valuable opportunities for the students to improve their skills, while experiencing a day in the life of an Army musician.

“These concerts give our audience a rare chance to hear a full military band perform in concert,” Major O’Keeffe said.

“It is great to see the ANU students excited about performing with the band through this partnership, which supports their development as musicians.”

The proceeds raised from the concert series are donated directly to Canberra Legacy.

President of Canberra Legacy Brigadier (retd) Chris Appleton thanked the musicians and the audience.

“The funds raised will help Canberra Legacy support 840 family members of veterans living in the ACT,” Brigadier Appleton said.

“We are grateful for the support of the RMC Band over many years, and we could not do what we do without their help through events such as these.”

The next concert in the series will be on 30 September at Llewellyn Hall.

 

 

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