BRASS ACT: The City Of Orange Brass Band heads down Summer Street. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0309lsmarch3
THE leaves rattled in the trees as four brass band pounded out loud notes across Cook Park on Saturday.
The 2013 Brass Celebration kicked off with a march down Summer Street where crowds, business owners, employees and shoppers were wowed with the talent on offer from the City Of Orange Brass Band, the Sydney Youth Band of the Salvation Army, the Parramatta City Brass Band and the Warringah Concert Brass Band.
The march started at Robertson Park and finished at Cook Park.
Audiences at Cook Park set up chairs, blankets and picnics an hour before the event to get prime spots for the concert.
Children shouted out in glee and awe as the impressive military-style bands marched into position in the park.
Diana and Trevor Windon attend the event every year and said they believed there was still a place for brass bands in the midst of 21st century music.
“Oh yes, my word, especially in such a beautiful setting as [Cook Park] with all the beautiful European trees,” Mrs Windon said.
“I just think they way they play the different instruments in harmony is just wonderful.”
Queensland residents Peter and Judy Kling could not believe their luck with the timing of their caravan trip to Orange in time to catch the celebration.
“We’ve never been to Orange before,” Mrs Kling said.
“We love the parks and the trees, it’s very different to Queensland.”
City of Orange Brass Band spokesman John Moss said the formula used for the Brass Celebrations was a winner.
“We are able to provide a street march opportunity, a concert in a formal setting featuring Australian brass band champion soloists and then the family-style event on a Sunday.
“And one of the wonderful things about it is the diversity of the music - you never hear the same piece twice because it gives the bands an opportunity to showcase their full repertoire.”
Mr Moss said four participating bands was the ideal mix for the festival.
