People

Bought a clarinet in 1990 and played it briefly, teaching myself a few basic tunes. After 34 years farming at Coleambally moved to Leeton in 2004. In 2008 responded to an advertisment in "The Irrigator" for new members to play in the Leeton Town Band. I have learnt a lot since joining. Playing the clarinet in the band is great fun. We are all passionate about making music and our Musical Director, Ruth, is a great inspiration to us all.

Ian's music endeavors restarted in 1990 after an 18 year break. He originally started to play Cornet at 10 years of age and went on to play Trombone, Tuba, Euphonium, Tenor Horn and Drums. Ian also has a passion for singing. Ian says: "I'm stuck with 1st trumpet but am looking for people to take the pressure off me (playing trumpet) so I can try my hand at Tuba or perhaps Euphonium. The Leeton Town Band has given me the opportunity to meet and now socialise with lots of Leeton locals." You may have heard Ian play The Last Post on Anzac Day - truly inspirational! Ian also sings and plays drums in local band "Together Again".

John played alto saxophone as a teenager. He took up the instrument again when the town band commenced in 2007, nearly forty years later! He considers the Town Band a great place to learn from experienced musicians and is surprised the band has established such a wide repertoire of traditional band music, jazz, modern and concert style tunes. He would be delighted to find someone else willing to learn alto saxophone to allow him to concentrate on his new toy, a soprano saxophone.

Joanna is a Narrandera High School student who plays a beautiful 'purple' trumpet beautifully! Joanna enjoys playing weekly at the Narrandera Christian Fellowship church service and performs each year with the Narrandera band at carols in the park and other events. Joanna has also played at the Victorian Opera's Brundibar children's workshop in Morundah. She has joined the Leeton Town Band to further her experience playing with a larger group. We will see great things from Joanna!

Maree grew up near Burcher north of West Wyalong in NSW. She loves to sing, play guitar and piano. For about 10 years Maree played guitar and sang in a duo and also performed at music festivals etc. Maree finally settled down to family life and after 21 years of marriage and raising children is feeling her way back into music. She only started to learn the Trombone in February 2010 with the Town Band after the family moved to Leeton. Maree also sings in the Church Choir and plays guitar and sings in "Together Again" a relaxed, easy listening - folk/rock 3 piece band. Maree says: "Learning the trombone has been a fantastic experience and a great way to make friends and have fun! I don't even own the trombone, I hired it through the band."

10 Quid tourist born in Wales. Came to Oz at the age of 7, took up the saxophone at the age of 15 and was taught the 'Wiedoeft Method'. To my sax teacher's horror I started playing in a Rock & Roll band. Afterwards played in such diverse bands as 'The New Zealand Air Force Band' and a few club bands. Came to Leeton in 1989 and played with a country rock band 'Çalico' who got a bit sick of my comings and goings, then I was invited to play with the "Leeton Town Band" and amongst other things have made a whole lot of new friends! John can 'fit in anywhere' and play along with passion and expertise.

Trevor was born and bred in Leeton, has a passion for music and IT, and works as an IT consultant. He plays in the Leeton Town Band, Mostly Blues, Riverina Concert Band, and the Flute Choir affiliated with the Riverina Concervatorium of Music, and any other group that will take him. Trevor has acted as Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Musical Director with the Leeton Town Band. One can only be inspired when listening to Trev play flute!

Bev says: "I have been an oboe player for some time. Firstly I am a pianist/organist and have had voice training. I have played tenor recorder in a group years ago, also played tenor saxophone in the Junior Central School Band under conductor Matthew Stucings when he was a student, now a very successful musician and choir master in Canberra. I was conductor of the Coleambally Central School Concert Band for 12 years including 2 years after I retired. I missed the music, the player rapport and found it again in the Leeton Town Band where age does not matter and everyone accepts you. I took up the oboe as a challenge and love the instrument and love to play in the Town Band with those wonderful people young and old."

Plays Piano

Thea says, "I'm near enough to 17 as makes no difference. I've been playing the flute, properly, for around three years. I love being a part of the Leeton Town Band because it's loads of fun and everyone is brilliant - no matter what they play or how well."

Plays Trumpet, Piano and Recorder.

Ruth grew up near Barellan in NSW and was a huge part of the re-forming of the Leeton Town Band and tirelessly helps and directs every member with energy, compassion and love. Ruth plays Piano and Flute and is also the Musical Director of the Leeton Town Band. Not only is Ruth kept very busy with her own business, "Tait Studio" where she teachers Piano, she also sings and plays keyboard in local band "Together Again".

Jarrad is a Narrandera High School student who is learning to play the drums. He enjoyed playing the marimba at public school and also had a few lessons with the ukulele and guitar. Jarrad has an excellent sense of rhythm and joined the Leeton Town Band to extend his knowledge of percussion instruments.

Grew up on the South Coast of NSW and started at Yanco Agricultural High School in 2009. Has been playing the flute for a few years. Band is a fun way to be able to be part of the community, meet new people and have a lot of fun while doing so. The Leeton Town Band has given me the opportunity to keep playing my flute and learning new music as well as improving my playing while attending boarding school.

Grew up in Balmoral Village near Mittagong NSW and was living in Narrandera and while there joined the The Leeton Town Band. Kim has since moved onto Grafton. But while he was actively involved he played percussion - and what a fabulous percussionist! Kim also plays percussion / drums, trombone, classical guitar & bass guitar. Kim joined The Leeton Town Band to have fun, meet people and play drums.... and to take his brand new drum-kit to band practice every week! (Kim loves Alicia and wants the Leeton Town Band to play at their wedding). Thank you Kim for sharing your wonderful talent and we wish you all the very best - Grafton will be excited to have you!

Plays Flute and attends Yanco Agricultural High School.