The Skunkworks Community, a not for profit organisation that works throughout Australia continues its ethos of strengthening community banding by connecting musicians with outstanding brass talent.

Youth festival

Run by Jamie Lawson, Philipa Edwards and Dusty Vallance, it will see a Victorian Youth Band Festival take place on Sunday 25th October in Hawthorn, which will bring together young brass and percussion players for a full day of workshops, masterclasses, ensemble playing and performance.

4BR was informed that the emphasis of the event was not simply on developing better players, but on building relationships across bands and investing in the future of the wider banding movement.

The faculty draws on leading musicians and educators from organisations including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Royal Australian Air Force Band, Sydney City Brass and D2 Drumline.

Low Brass Day

There will also be a Low Brass Day entitled 'Building the Foundations' with the respected tuba playing duo of Dean and Julie Morley.

It focuses on the role of the bass section in building the sound, balance and musical foundation of a successful brass band, with practical workshops and masterclasses for players.

Bright Brass

Early next year there is a 'Bright Brass & Percussion Summer Intensive' from the 10th — 17th January in Bright, Victoria.

It will be led by conductor David Bremner, and will mark the beginning of the 2027 season for the Victorian State Youth Brass Band as it prepares for its planned tour to Wellington.

Skunkworks Community is also taking singer-songwriter Archer Broughton's music into the brass band world through a regional Victorian touring project.

His 'Love Songs from the Divine Church of the Open Sky' have been arranged for brass band by Eugene Ball, bringing regional community bands together with Archer in workshops and live performances.

It brings musicians, bands, professional artists and communities together rather than creating silos, and making high-quality musical experiences accessible to players at different ages and stages of their musical livesSkunkworks

Bringing together

Speaking about the initiatives, Phillipa Edwards OAM told 4BR: "At the heart of all four projects is the same Skunkworks philosophy: creating community through music.

It brings musicians, bands, professional artists and communities together rather than creating silos, and making high-quality musical experiences accessible to players at different ages and stages of their musical lives."

Find out more

To find out more go to: www.skunkworkscommunity.com