Everyone welcome! UTCMP band members range in age from 10 to 80+
It’s never too late
Ever wished you had taken up playing a musical instrument as a hobby? Or have you wanted to get back into playing but don’t know where to start? Well, you are living in the right place. Launceston has one of the few community programmes in the country where players can join a band without being able to play a single note, while also catering to experienced musicians.
How to join
Contact our administrator Vanessa Clark via email vclark@utcmp.org.au or call 0408 343 877. Vanessa will then be able to put you in contact with the Musical Director for your playing level. Vanessa can also give you more information on hiring instruments if required.
Read on for more information about what being part of the Community Music Programme involves.
For young and new players
UTCMP will accept anyone over the age of 10. It provides a fun, educational environment in which to try out different musical instruments to see which suits you best. At the start of Term 1, Beginning Band holds an information session where interested players can come along, see what instruments are available and chat to our tutors. For more information on each instrument in our wind bands see our page Wind Band Instruments.
Just come along, have fun and start practising!
For experienced players
Do you have a musical instrument gathering dust? Would you like to start playing again? Just moved into the area? Join UTCMP where you can further your musical training and renew performance skills with like-minded people in an enjoyable environment.
Which band is for me?
Find out more about each of our bands here.
Auditions
Experienced players who wish to be placed in advanced ensembles will be required to audition to enable placement within the programme. Placement is at the discretion of the Conductor. Individuals are asked to prepare a short piece and be prepared to sight-read music. No accompanist is required.
Note: there are no auditions required for Beginning Band and Concert Band.
Membership
Each player is required to pay an annual membership fee of $180 which contributes to the annual operating costs of the program. Please note that there is an additional $40 fee for Beginning Band to offset the cost of the extensive tutorial sessions and you will also be required to purchase an ensemble book that has been written for your instrument. Whilst there is no compulsory private tuition expected, it is highly recommended. A music folder will be provided to you so you can practise at home.
Rehearsal venue
University of Tasmania Auditorium (Room A107) located in “A Block” situated at Newnham Drive, Newnham, Launceston – number 13 on this campus map.
Ample free parking is available after business hours.
What type of music will I be playing?
The programme owns an extensive repertoire of musical arrangements. During rehearsal time ensembles will play music that ranges in style from hymns to contemporary movie scores. Our repertoire includes music by composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, George Gershwin, Vaclav Nelhybel, Brian Hogg and Percy Grainger to name just a few.
What will I learn?
Musical rhythm and notation will be taught as well as guidance in tuning, pitch and basic music theory.
Rehearsal times
When: Every week during school terms
Beginning Band
Wednesday 5:30pm – 6:45pm
Concert Band
Tuesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Symphonic Band
Monday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Wind Orchestra
Wednesday 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Duration: Varies between 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours, including a short break with time to chat and have a cuppa.
Covid-safe: The Community Music Programme follows the current Australian Government guidelines in regard to COVID-19 where COVID vaccination is recommended but not mandatory. For Risk mitigation, other COVID safe behaviours that should continue to be observed include; physical distancing, hand hygiene and mask wearing when not playing as this has shown to be effective in minimising the spread of illness.
Performances
Our concerts provide the opportunity for members to show friends and family what they have achieved musically and to introduce classical music to younger members of the community. UTCMP holds approximately three concerts per year for all ensembles in the program. Our concerts are held in professional venues in Launceston and surrounds, and we are fortunate to have a strong musical team of professional conductors and tutors to ensure our players perform well.
Your commitment
Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts and you are expected to commit to guided frequent home practise. This is essential for your success. Rehearsals are for ensemble learning whereas home practise is a time for you to develop skills on your instrument. Band members depend on each other for productive rehearsals and to perform successfully at concerts where each player’s full participation is required.