Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band is a community band comprised of musicians of varying ages, backgrounds and musical ability. We play wonderful music in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We have fun, we enjoy the social aspects of playing with fellow musicians, & we grow together as musicians and friends.
We are based at Valentine in the beautiful city of Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings during NSW School term time from 7-9pm at Valentine Public School (Tallawalla Road, Valentine NSW 2280).
We welcome woodwind, brass, percussion, or guitar players of any ability. If you’d like to join us, just come along to a rehearsal, or email the band for more details.
What we play
We play a great variety of music – from Amazing Grace and Danny Boy, to Lady Gaga, Gershwin, and Adele. We play pop medleys (such as Eric Clapton, Bruno Mars, ColdPlay, Led Zeppelin, & Queen), music from movie soundtracks and musicals (e.g. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Cinema Paradiso, Frozen, Hamilton, Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera, Pirates of the Caribbean), jazzy tunes (such as a Puttin’ on the Ritz, Closer Walk with Thee, Ragtime Square) and other Concert Band material (e.g. Oregon, Silverado, & Australian composer Jodie Blackshaw’s Into the Sun).
At Christmas time we play carols to the residents of local retirement/Over 55s villages. Click here if you’d like our band to play for you this Christmas.
We also play at local ANZAC Day ceremonies and other local events such as the Dobell Festival, the Lake Macquarie Autumn Fair, and other festivals and even at private functions. We also regularly play at the East Coast Band Championships, held in Newcastle in June.
Band Director
Our band director is Dr Mark Pinner. Mark is a professional musician with over four decades of experience as a conductor, performer, teacher, musicologist and cultural historian. He has been our conductor since 2019.
History
Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band was formed in 1977 and is respected for its
- Positive community spirit and activities
- Student development
- Friendly flexible opportunities
- Professional concerts & performances
- Strong contest performances in local, state & national competitions.
The band originated in 1977 when Mr Geat Ulanas and Mr Gary Shaw realized an opportunity to develop the musical talent and band experience of students graduating from high school who did not want to give up their banding activities. The band also attracted many adults from the community. Lake Macquarie Winds has strong ties with Valentine Public School. Throughout the History of the band, community service, training young musicians and participation for musicians of all levels and ages have always been top priorities.
The band offers a comprehensive music library updated regularly to ensure a diverse and current range of styles and music is available for any occasion.
Our dedicated and hardworking Committee ensure all the work associated with band management is taken care of.
We welcome new members who may want to Join the Band. We take pride in our band and people and assure new members a positive and worthwhile experience where new friendships and musical ability are developed as part of a balanced approach to band activities.
We would love to hear from any person or organisation who may want to Hire the Band to perform at their venue or event. We look forward to providing a quality musical experience.
It is a valuable business opportunity to Support the Band and contribute to the cultural educational and community services we provide in the local area including developing local talent now and in the future. Any assistance is most sincerely welcome.
Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band 