Have you ever wanted to learn a musical instrument or be part of a local band, but weren’t sure where to start? In 2026, the Armidale City Band is opening the door to new members, inviting people of all ages to try their hand at brass and discover what it’s like to make music as part of a community group.
Following a highly successful Christmas Raffle at the end of 2025, the Band has begun the new year on a positive note. The annual raffle is one of the organisation’s most important fundraising activities, helping to cover the costs of instruments, music, and ongoing rehearsals and performances.
Looking ahead, the Armidale City Band is launching a new beginner brass program in 2026, aimed at anyone who has ever wanted to learn a brass instrument, regardless of age or previous musical experience. The class will cater to beginners interested in learning the cornet, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, trombone or tuba, providing a supportive and welcoming entry point into music-making.
With a busy year to come, Music Director David Brown said his attention is now firmly on getting some new recruits to bolster the ranks for the future.
“It’s so important for the band to keep people coming in,” said Mr Brown.
“Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve maybe played a bit back in school and want to get back into it, or maybe you’ve never played before but are just keen to learn and make new friends.”
“We’ve even had parents join in in the past after seeing how much fun their kids are having.”
The program has been designed to be accessible and affordable, with participants able to learn, hire an instrument and gradually build skills with the goal of one day becoming playing members of the Band.
“I myself got into playing after participating in a similar program back in Warragul (Victoria) when I was young, and it was just such an awesome training ground,” said Mr Brown
To introduce the new program, the Band will host an information evening at the Armidale City Band Room, located at 120 Dumaresq Street, on Tuesday, 3 February, starting at 5:30 pm. The session will give interested community members the opportunity to meet Band members, ask questions, and try a range of brass instruments in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
Attendees will also be guided through a matching process to help identify an instrument that suits them, with experienced players on hand to offer advice and encouragement.
“It’ll be a really fun night,” said Mr Brown.
“Often, the instrument that people think they’re going to play is not actually the one that ends up suited to them. This is a great opportunity to come down blow on a few instruments, see how they sound and find out which one is the perfect fit for you.”
The Armidale City Band has a long history of contributing to the cultural life of the region, performing at community events and fostering a love of music across generations. With the launch of the beginner brass class, the Band hopes to welcome new faces, strengthen community connections, and ensure the continuation of live brass music in Armidale for years to come.
“I always say to people, it doesn’t matter what instrument you play, or whether you’re first chair or third, the band sounds the way it does because you’re playing in it – it’s such a positive thing and great for building confidence and self-esteem,” he said.
“And the fraternity you get from playing in a band is unmatched as well. You join a band, you’ve got 30 or so friends straight away!”
With the first event of the season coming up soon – playing at Saumarez Homestead to celebrate 100 years of the CWA being a part of the Armidale community – 2026 is shaping up to be another huge year for the band, and there’s no better time to join in.
Community members interested in learning more are encouraged to attend the information night or contact the Band directly on 0458 267 638 or 0419 539 372.
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