street band workshops

Every year the Lismore City Concert Band marches & plays with the legendary Lismore Lantern Parade. THIS year, however, the Band is set to expand by becoming an all-inclusive street band. That’s right, folks – everyone is welcome to march & play with us in the Parade à all ages, all instruments, all welcome.

We’ll also have a SPECIAL GUEST musical instructor for any percussionists who wish to join us:  the man-in-demand, professional percussionist & kit drummer, JAMIE PATTUGALAN (you may know him from ‘Utungun Percussion’) will be part of a PRE-PARADE WORKSHOP held earlier that day – (More info below) ….

This new expanded all-inclusive band will be learning & playing FOUR SONGS, New Orleans’ style, for the Parade: ♪ “This Little Light of Mine” ♪ “Down By the Riverside” ♪ “Beds Are Burning” ♪ “Ya Move Ya Lose”

Don’t know these songs?
Don’t worry, the music is provided, so you either need to be able to read music or be prepared to learn & play ‘by ear’ (even better if you can do both!)

How do I get INVOLVED?
Please express your interest by emailing Band Director, Ben van Kleef - He will then provide you with a registration form & the written music for your chosen instrument - benvankleef@yahoo.com.au

What do I WEAR?
The costume is simple:  BLACK PANTS with a PLAIN COLOURED T-SHIRT (perhaps with something long-sleeved & warm underneath) …. We will also be selling a limited number of special T-shirts to commemorate the occasion.

Not sure if I can ‘cut the mustard’?
Don’t fret. Lismore City Concert Band will be running a STREET BAND WORKSHOP at ‘the CON’ (i.e. the Northern Rivers Conservatorium on Keen Street) on the afternoon of the Festival (from 12.30pm-4.30pm) to polish up these four tunes prior to the actual Parade. Extraordinary percussionist, Jamie Pattugalan will be available to beat the drummers into shape & the Band Director, Ben van Kleef (himself a player of all things brassy) will help meld the horns & woodwind into one beautiful bandtastic street-marchin’ organism.

The WORKSHOP will entail: ♪ Playing in an ensemble ♪ Spontaneous harmonies ♪ Reading a chart ♪ Dancing whilst playing ♪ Maximising endurance

Are you a PERCUSSIONIST or DRUMMER?
We are really hoping to have a HUGE percussion section this year. Although basic bass-drum & snare parts are provided, we understand that a lot of drummers use their aural skills to learn their parts. If you are unsure of what to play please attend the workshop on the afternoon of the festival.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN JOIN THE PARADE and/or WORKSHOP.

Ben van Kleef
0432 575 911
benvankleef@yahoo.com.au