Band History
The Kalamunda Youth Swing Band was formed in 1989. The Band grew from the Jazz program at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, when the then Musical Director Mr Dave Way had an idea to expand his program to include students from other schools in the Kalamunda area.
Kalamunda Youth Swing Band became an Incorporated Association (under the Associations Incorporation Act 1989) shortly afterwards and is run by a democratically elected committee of Band members and parents, all of who are enthusiastic volunteers. Currently, Kalamunda Youth Swing Band has two Musical Directors and three Bands of passionate and talented Big Band and Jazz musicians who are youthful ambassadors for the Kalamunda area.
The No. 1 Band history is very impressive, they have toured New Zealand, USA including San Francisco, New Orleans and Los Angeles, UK, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania and future plans include New Zealand and Singapore. In February this year, the No. 1 Band performed at Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, as a support act for the Sting Concert. This was the 11th consecutive year that the Kalamunda Youth Swing Band has performed at Leeuwin and has been invited back again to perform in 2006.
All of the Bands also perform at many public and private venues throughout the year, from Geraldton to Albany and all parts in between promoting the Shire of Kalamunda through our name. 2005 is the 12th consecutive year Kalamunda Youth Swing Band has been performing free concerts during February, March and April at Stirk Park on a Thursday evening for local residents and many visitors from other suburbs. As it is also late night shopping, this event has proved to be a bonus for the local businesses in the area.
The Kalamunda Youth Swing Band is a not for profit organization and receives no funding from other organizations. The Band’s income relies solely on their Annual Concert, gig income, raffles, concerts, quiz nights and the support from the public. In doing so, we are able to offer our members an affordable subsidised annual membership fee. This allows the Band to continue to provide an opportunity to publicly demonstrate the members’ exceptional musical ability and skills of the local youth. Money raised pays for our public liability insurance, Musical Directors fees, Band equipment purchases and maintenance, sheet music purchases, bus hire for remote concerts and other sundry items.
This page last updated:
9 February, 2008
